By Tatiana Mhararira
A three-year-old toddler recently drowned in a well while her sister was fetching water in Dauramanzi village under Chief Gutu.
Masvingo Provincial Police Spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa confirmed the incident and encouraged members of the public to monitor their children.
“I confirm the incident in which Blessing Chidziva drowned in a well and was pronounced dead upon admission at Gutu Mission Hospital.
“I urge parents to protect their children, as incidents of drowning are at a high level before the rainy season,” said Dhewa.
Circumstances are that on October 15, 2024, Tendai Chibanhu (32) of Dauramanzi village left home around 7am for Masvingo to attend a funeral, leaving her children aged 13 and 3 behind.
The children went to the well at around 1pm to fetch water. While the eldest was filling containers, the three-year-old toddler fell into the well.
A neighbor rushed to the well, rescued the baby, and rushed her to Gutu Mission Hospital where she was pronounced dead upon arrival.
Drowning incidents in Masvingo are on the rise with the incident happening two days after siblings aged 13 and seven drowned in Bunzwi Stream in Gutu and another 18-year-old drowned in a swimming pool at Mutirikwi Lake Shore Resort.
