Chronicle Editor
Sikhumbuzo Moyo, [email protected]
AN Early Childhood Development (ECD-A) female learner at Donkwe Donkwe Primary School in Kezi, Matobo district in Matabeleland South was on Friday afternoon swept away by a flooded stream while on her way home from school.
Five-year-old Promise Ncube was travelling together with two other five-year-olds after dismissing from school at midday before heavy rains pounced when they had traveled for about five kilometres from school to Sigwaza village.
According to Matabeleland South acting police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Stanford Mguni, the three learners started running towards home but along the road, they encountered a stream with running water.
“The other two learners managed to cross but the now-deceased was swept away as she attempted to follow her colleagues.
Her colleagues rushed home to inform their parents who quickly attended to the scene where they managed to retrieve the body some metres away from the road,” said Ast Insp Mguni.
He said police attended the scene and took the body where it is awaiting a postmortem.
“Investigations are ongoing but as police we continue to urge parents and guardians to always escort the little children especially during rain season. Even school authorities are urged not to release such young learners on their own,” said Ast Insp Mguni.
Last week, a three-year-old toddler from New Lobengula suburb, Sibusiso Methembe Moyo died after being swept away by floodwaters in a drainage system while on his way home with his elder brother from an errand they had been sent to by their mother.
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