Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu,[email protected]
THE body of an eight-year-old boy from the Ntepe area in Gwanda District, who drowned while attempting to cross a flooded river, is still missing six days after the incident.
Decent Dube, a Grade Three pupil at Ntepe Primary, drowned while on his way home from the shops with a peer.
In response, the community has created a WhatsApp group to alert the public and stay vigilant for any sightings of the boy’s body. Villagers have also begun mobilising funds to assist the family.
Ntepe village head, Mr Benjamin Ncube, said: “The boy and his peer had been sent to the shops, and along the way, it started raining. On their way back, they found the river flooded. As they were trying to cross, the boy lost his shoe in the water and attempted to retrieve it. Unfortunately, he was swept away by the current. His friend rushed to report the incident to the elders.”
Mr Ncube mentioned that the community had been tirelessly searching for the body since the tragic event, and everyone was devastated, hoping to find Decent.
Matabeleland South Provincial Police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Stanford Mguni, confirmed the incident, which occurred along Ntepe River at approximately 6PM. He urged guardians to accompany children who needed to cross rivers.
“I can confirm that we recorded a case of sudden death where an eight-year-old boy drowned in Ntepe River while trying to cross it with a friend. As police, we continue to urge people to avoid crossing flooded rivers, especially during the rainy season. Parents and children should be made aware of this danger,” he said.
“Guardians should also ensure they escort children who need to cross rivers on their way to school. We also advise motorists to avoid crossing flooded rivers. Several vehicles have been swept away, and some of these incidents have sadly been fatal,” he added.
Gwanda District Development Coordinator and District Civil Protection Committee chairperson, Ms Nomathemba Ndlovu, said that despite extensive search efforts, no progress had been made in locating the boy.
She expressed concern about the rising number of drownings in the district and noted that the committee continued to educate communities on the risks of crossing flooded rivers. Ms Ndlovu also stated that the Civil Protection Unit (CPU) structures were on high alert to monitor and report such incidents.
Peter Tanyanyiwa