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Herald Reporter
A form Three pupil at Delamour High School in Darwendale, Mashonaland West province, died instantly while a Form One pupil was seriously injured following an accidental discharge of a firearm by soldiers conducting drills near Inkomo Barracks yesterday.
Zimbabwe National Army spokesperson Lieutenant- Colonel Alphios Makotore confirmed last night the incident that occurred yesterday morning.
“Parachute Regiment troops were on exercise at the rifle range when a live bullet round from an anti-aircraft gun flew over a catch and trajected for over seven kilometres, travelling towards the children where it hit them while they were at a school assembly this (yesterday) morning at 9am. The children are from Delamour High School here at Inkomo Garrison,” said Lt-Col Makotore.
He said the ZNA and Zimbabwe Republic Police special investigations team attended the scene and investigations were still underway.
The body of the deceased was taken to Parirenyatwa Hospital for post-mortem while the injured was admitted at the same hospital for treatment but described his condition as satisfactory.
The parents of both boys have since been notified and were assisting in investigations.
“The Commander of the Zimbabwe National Army, Lieutenant-General Philip Valerio Sibanda, and all members of the ZNA regret this unfortunate accident which has apparently happened on the last day of school. They also expressed their deepest condolence to the bereaved family and wished a speedy recovery to the injured pupil,” said Lt-Col Makotore.
“The ZNA is assisting all the affected families to ameliorate this unfortunate incident. More details will be made available as investigations continue. The ZNA command element visited the school and met the families this morning,” he said.
Online Reporter