4-year-old drowns in trench

Conrad Mupesa

Mashonaland West Bureau

A four-year-old child from Norton’s Marindale Suburb drowned in a trench yesterday evening.

The incident occurred at around 1800 hours behind Pagogo Shopping Centre.

Zimbabwe Republic Police provincial spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Effort Chapoto confirmed the development to The Herald this morning.

“The deceased and other children went to play in a trench that was flooded with water.

“The now deceased jumped into the trench, which is about 1.5 metres deep, and he drowned. Another minor rushed home and informed the deceased’s mother, Christina Shawirai, who in turn informed the deceased’s father, Thomas Manyika,” he said.
Manyika, with the help of neighbours, searched and managed to retrieve the body.

Norton police attended the scene, and the body was conveyed to Norton Hospital, where it is awaiting post-mortem.

Investigations are in progress.

Assistant Inspector Chapoto urged parents and guardians to be on the lookout for their children as there has been an increase in drowning cases around the province.

“The rains mean more measures should be taken to avoid such incidents. Parents are urged to monitor their kids wherever they are to ensure their safety,” he said.