The ManicaPost
Liberty Dube and Hazel Chitepo
A SWIMMING expedition ended in tragedy after two siblings from Nyamira Village in Mutare District drowned recently.
Acting Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka confirmed the tragedy, and said the two siblings, Melania (10) and Nokutenda (12) left home to do some laundry at a nearby dam when tragedy struck.
Assistant Inspector Chinyoka said no foul play is suspected.
“Nokutenda, Melania and another juvenile went to a nearby dam to wash their school uniforms. When they finished, they decided to embark on a swimming expedition. The third juvenile refused to swim.
“Melania drowned, and after realising that she was in trouble, Nokutenda tried to rescue her, but she also drowned in the process. The third juvenile who had refused to swim rushed home to report what had happened.
“Police were informed and they attended the scene. They retrieved the deceased’s bodies,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.
Meanwhile, in an unrelated incident, Niceson Mutambara (11), of Nyahumba Village in Nyanga also drowned while fishing along Muunga River.
Mutambara was in the company of colleagues when he drowned while trying to retrieve a fish trap that was stuck in the river.
“Mutambara left home and proceeded to the grazing area to herd cattle together with his friends, aged eight and 14, respectively. As they walked through the fields, Mutambara stopped to cast a fish trap into the river. Unfortunately, the trap got stuck, and he removed all his clothes and placed a stone on top of them near the riverbank before walking into the river to retrieve the trap.
“Mutambara lost his footing and drowned. His uncle, Mr Peter Kembo (32) learnt about the tragic incident and rushed to the river. Mutambara had already died and Kembo managed to retrieve his body which was submerged in the water.
“A report was made to Ruwangwe Police Station. Police attended the scene,” he said.
Inspector Chinyoka urged parents and guardians to ensure that their children are aware of potential hazards associated with fishing and swimming.
He said they should desist from allowing children to stray near water bodies.
