Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo, [email protected]
POLICE have launched investigations into the death of 13-year-old Falcon College learner Jared Boka, who drowned in a canoeing accident at the school’s dam in March, following concerns raised by his family over the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed that the matter is now under investigation after the family formally raised questions regarding the incident.
“I can confirm that this case has been brought to our attention by the family. They raised allegations and, as police, we have instituted investigations to unravel the truth,” said Commissioner Nyathi.
Jared, a Form One pupil at Falcon College, died on March 22 after allegedly drowning while canoeing with another learner at the school’s dam.
More than three months after the incident, the family says it is still waiting for the outcome of investigations and answers surrounding the circumstances of his death.
The family has also raised allegations that Jared’s legs were tied together when his body was recovered from the dam about 14 hours after he was reported missing.
“We are yet to have closure regarding our boy’s death. Authorities have not given us the results of their investigations despite our numerous requests. Jared was an excellent swimmer and for him to drown is shocking. We are told that his legs were tied when the body was retrieved from the dam, but these claims can only be authenticated when we are given the investigation report,” a family representative said.
The family has further questioned the level of supervision on the day of the incident, raising concerns over how learners gained access to the dam without school officials being present.
Contacted for comment, Falcon College headmaster Mr David Kirkman said the school could not comment on the matter while investigations were still underway.
“Given the sensitivity of this matter and the ongoing investigations by the Zimbabwe Republic Police, it would be inappropriate for the college to comment on matters that remain under investigation or to speculate or provide partial information at this stage,” said Mr Kirkman.
He said the school was continuing to co-operate fully with the police investigation.
“We respectfully ask that reporting on this matter be fair, accurate and based on verified information, while respecting the privacy and dignity of the Boka family and all those affected. Falcon College once again expresses its sincere condolences to the family of Jared Boka,” he said.
Meanwhile, the family has launched an online petition calling on the Government to establish a National Child Safeguarding and School Safety Framework aimed at strengthening the protection of learners in schools across the country.
Family representative Ms Samantha Boka said the initiative was motivated by the family’s determination to ensure that similar tragedies do not occur in future.
“On March 22, 2026, our son Jared Boka tragically drowned in a dam at Falcon College. As a boarding student, he ventured into a hazardous situation without supervision and without the availability of life jackets or lifesaving personnel around the dam. This heartbreaking incident exposed the urgent need for comprehensive child safety measures in our educational institutions,” she said.
Ms Boka said parents place immense trust in schools to safeguard the welfare of their children and called for the introduction of standardised safety measures across all educational institutions.
She said the proposed framework should include mandatory safety protocols, emergency preparedness plans, trained safety officers, regular safety inspections and the provision of lifesaving equipment such as life jackets and emergency response kits where necessary.
“The establishment of a National Child Safeguarding and School Safety Framework will not only help prevent avoidable tragedies but will also reassure parents and guardians that their children are learning in a safe and secure environment. It is our moral obligation to protect the lives and well-being of our children,” said Ms Boka.
The calls come amid growing concern over safety standards at learning institutions following several drowning incidents involving children.
Last month, police arrested two officials from a mission school in Penhalonga, Manicaland, on culpable homicide charges after two children aged five and six drowned in a disused swimming pool within the school’s premises.
