Chronicle EditorSukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, Plumtree Correspondent
A SEVEN-YEAR-OLD boy from Gotjombo Village in Bulilima District drowned in a well while fetching water to drink.
Chief Madlambuzi said Oscar Moyo died on Tuesday afternoon when he decided to go to the well to drink water as he was coming from the shops with his younger brother aged five.
He said Oscar slipped into the well and his young brother, Thembani Moyo alerted other villagers about the incident.
“There is a seven-year-old boy from my area who drowned in a well while he was trying to collect water to drink. He was in the company of his five-year-old brother. The boy upon realising that his brother had fallen into the well started crying.
“A few minutes later he was seen by a passerby who found him crying while sitting next to the well. When villagers retrieved Oscar’s body he was already dead,” he said.
“We have lost many youngsters in cases of drowning as many children attempt to collect water, cross flooded rivers, swim and even play near water sources without supervision from adults.
“Guardians have to strongly warn their children against doing this.”
The village head of the area, Mr Ntando Ndlovu said Oscar was sent to the shops by his aunt on Tuesday afternoon and his younger brother insisted that he wanted to go as well.
Mr Ndlovu said while they were on their way back, Thembani started complaining that he was thirsty.
“Oscar came across a well and attempted to draw water from it using a tin. He slipped and fell into the well while his young brother watched.
“A passerby found Thembani crying and upon questioning him he revealed that his brother had fallen into the well. The man alerted other villagers who rushed to the scene and retrieved Oscar’s body. When Oscar’s mother received the news her son was already dead,” said Mr Ndlovu.
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