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A GRIEVING community in England, devastated by the disappearance of a two-year-old Zimbabwean boy who fell into a river, says the discovery of his body last week will, at least, give his shattered family a chance to have closure in a nightmare which has unfolded for FOUR months.
Xielo Maruziva’s body was found last week after a FOUR-MONTH search and his tragedy has profoundly touched the lives of his community in Leicester.
Xielo fell into the River Soar in the Aylestone Meadows nature reserve, Leicester, during a walk with his family, in the evening of Sunday, February 18.
His father dived into the river, in a bid to rescue Xielo, and had to be taken to hospital as a result.
A massive operation was launched days later to try and locate the youngster, with police forces from across the UK sending specialist teams to help.
But, the search was scaled back a month later after officers failed to find any trace of the toddler, with Leicestershire Police saying it would continue to look for Xielo, but the ‘additional resources’ from around the UK would no longer be at the scene.
Last week, a body was found in the search and his community has rallied behind the grieving family in the wake of the announcement in messages to the Leicester Mercury.
These are some of the messages:
Gareth Lanning: “I know nothing can take away the family’s pain of losing their child. I’m glad the child has been found and I hope this brings the family some comfort and they can give him a burial. My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this sad time.”
Sophie Cameron-Osborn: “Bless the family and Xielo, so glad family finally have some closure and time to say goodbye. Thoughts are with you all.”
Christine Gascoigne: “Such sad news to read, so glad he’s been found and can now be laid to rest. Thoughts and prayers go out to Xielo’s family at this extremely sad and difficult time. Thoughts r also with those who found him. Heaven has gained a handsome little soul. Rest in paradise xielo.”
Gemma Chamberlain: “So, so sad but, at least, his parents now have closure and can lay him to rest. Thoughts go out to the family at such a heart-breaking time.”
Amanda Davies: “At least, they have finally found him and the family can say their goodbyes, the not knowing what happened to him for so long must have been horrendous. Sending thoughts to his family.”
Alison Jordon: “So sad to hear this, this afternoon. My thoughts and prayers go out to the parents. Rest in peace beautiful angel.”
Steveo: “RIP Xielo, your parents can put you to rest now.”
WHATUEXPECT: “Least the family now have closure and can arrange his final resting place, hope he can now rest in peace.”
Sylvia Luparia: “RIP you beautiful little man, my heartfelt sympathies go to his family, may you now lay your beautiful boy to rest. Heaven will gain a beautiful angel. And my thoughts also go to the person/people who found him I can’t imagine how they must be feeling.”
Police have thanked everyone involved in the search for Xielo, as well as the community and wider members of the public.
Assistant Chief Constable Michaela Kerr said: “This is devastating news and our thoughts are with Xielo’s family.
“We are so sorry to bring them this news which we were all dreading and our full support is being provided to them at this most difficult time.
“Thank you to everyone who has been involved in the search for Xielo for your dedicated work in extremely traumatic circumstances and an extremely complex search.
“Thank you also to our communities and wider members of the public for your continued support.”
When Xielo went missing, his family described him as a “bundle of joy.”
In a statement put out by Leicestershire Police, his mother, whose name has not been released, said:
“Xielo is a cheeky, funny, friendly, smart, caring and independent little boy. He never fails to make me laugh or smile and always loves a cuddle and some kisses.
“Xielo loves playing with his toys and watching cartoons including Bino and Fino.
“Me, his dad and the whole family are so heartbroken at what has happened. We thank everyone who has supported us and helped us during this time. We are extremely grateful for this.”
His father said:
“Xielo is a bundle of joy to us. He is a charming and creative little boy and has just started at nursery. He loves cuddles, playing with his toys and going to the park.” — H-Metro Reporter/Mailonline/Leicester Mercury.
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