Sidumisile Mabena
Mthokozisi Ncube
TWO girls aged 11 drowned while swimming with friends in a disused water-filled pit in Pumula North, Bulawayo.
The province’s police spokesperson Inspector Nomalanga Msebele Police confirmed the sudden death incident that occurred on Sunday, 8 February 2026, at around 3pm.
The two girls went swimming with other juveniles at the abandoned pit which was full of water.
Panic broke out moments later when the girls failed to resurface.
“At around 1530 hours, a 15 year old juvenile who was also swimming at a nearby pit responded to the cries of other juveniles who told him that the now deceased persons were no longer able to come out of the pit,” said Insp Msebele.
“The 15 year old juvenile and his friend rushed to the pit where they managed to retrieve the lifeless bodies from the pit and made a report to the police.”
The deaths have renewed fears over open pits and unsafe water bodies that dot several suburbs around Bulawayo, especially after heavy rains.
Insp Msebele issued a strong warning to parents, guardians and communities.
“We urge parents and guardians to always monitor children under their care and warn them not to play near water bodies and deep pits to avoid loss of life,” she said.
She also called on neighbours to act when they see danger.
“Communities must take collective responsibility of chasing away children they see swimming at these dangerous water bodies,” said the provincial spokesperson.
She further warned the public to avoid flooded rivers and streams, noting that “we are going to receive more rains.”
Online Reporter