Abandoned fish pond claims two children’s lives

Diana Baloyi Moyo, Online Reporter
IN a tragic incident, two children—a four-year-old boy and a nine-year-old girl—died after drowning in a neglected fish pond at Madubeko Village in Mataga, Mberengwa, on Saturday.
According to a statement posted on X by the Zimbabwe Republic Police, the victims were collecting nyii fruits at an abandoned homestead in the village when some of the harvested fruit fell into the pond. In an attempt to retrieve the fruit, the two children entered the water and tragically drowned.
The police have urged communities to ensure that abandoned or neglected water bodies, such as fish ponds, are properly secured to prevent similar incidents. They also advised parents and guardians to closely supervise young children, especially near water sources.
This heartbreaking incident highlights the dangers posed by unmaintained infrastructure and the need for increased vigilance to protect vulnerable members of the community.