Online Reporter
Freeman Razemba
Senior Reporter
Two officials at Hartzell Central Primary School in Penhalonga have been arrested and charged with culpable homicide following the drowning of two Early Childhood Development (ECD) learners in a disused swimming pool last week.
The suspects, identified as maintenance supervisor Charles Chigwizura (49) and caretaker Andrew Chingono (38), were arrested after the tragic incident, which occurred on June 11, 2026.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrests.
The victims have been identified as Devian Andrew Mungazi (5), a pupil whose parent is a teacher at Hartzell High School, and Lovemore Tendedziso (6), from the Hobhouse Three area in Mutare.
The two children were retrieved from the disused swimming pool at around 5pm.
Their bodies were taken to Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital mortuary for post-mortem examinations.
Police said the arrests were made after investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident pointed to negligence.
Comm Nyathi urged school authorities, parents and guardians to prioritise the safety of children by ensuring that recreational facilities are secure and properly supervised.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police urges school authorities, parents and guardians to ensure that playgrounds and recreational facilities are adequately secured and constantly monitored to prevent avoidable tragedies. Learning institutions should put in place safety measures, including fencing of swimming pools, access control systems and deployment of trained personnel to supervise children during recreational activities,” he said.
He warned that negligence in maintaining safe environments for children could result in loss of life and criminal liability.
