adminFreedom Mupanedemo Midlands Bureau
A 9-year-old boy died while two others were injured when an ox-drawn cart they were riding on overturned, police have said.
Acting police spokesperson for Midlands province Assistant Inspector Ethel Mukwende said the incident occurred last Thursday in Gomo Village, Gokwe, under Chief Nemangwe.
She said the boy sustained head injuries and died upon admission at Musita Clinic in Gokwe.
“The circumstances are that on 28 December 2017, at around 8am, Bhekimpilo Mangava was driving an ox-drawn cart to a nearby forest to fetch firewood with two passengers, including the deceased minor, Michael Fusi (9), on board,” she said.
“While the cart was in motion, one of the wheels hit a tree stump, resulting in it overturning.”
Asst Insp Mukwende said the minor, together with two other occupants, were trapped under the cart, which was dragged for some metres.
“The boy sustained serious head injuries and was taken to Musita Clinic, where he died on admission,” she said.
“The other two occupants sustained minor injuries and were treated and discharged.”
Asst Insp Mukwende said the boy’s body was taken to Gokwe District Hospital mortuary awaiting a postmortem.
She warned villagers against riding animal-drawn carts without due care.
“Police are appealing to all operators of animal drawn carts to always make sure that there is someone in front of the animals to lead them,” she said.
“Such unfortunate incidents can be avoided if people take appropriate measures like simply making sure that these animals are led.”
Online Reporter