By Karen Sibanda
A tragic accident has shaken a community in Chiredzi after a nine-year-old boy was electrocuted while picking wild fruits on February 16, 2025 at Shilo Compound in Mukwasine.
Masvingo Acting Provincial Police Spokesperson Assistant Inspector Masauso Patinyu confirmed the death of Tatenda Dendere and urged communities to remain vigilant around exposed electrical infrastructure as well as report hanging or damaged cables to relevant authorities before more lives are lost.
“We confirm receiving a report of nine-year-old Dendere who died in Mkwasine after he touched a live electric wire and was electrocuted. We advise parents and guardians of children to caution young ones against playing or climbing trees near electrical wires. Communities should promptly report any loose or hanging cables to the relevant authorities to prevent such incidents,” said Ass Insp Patinyu.
It is reported that Dendere was with a 10-year-old friend searching for wild fruits when they passed through a church yard where a loose electrical cable was hanging through a mango tree.
Dendere allegedly touched the live wire and was electrocuted, collapsing instantly. His friend ran to alert nearby residents.
No visible injuries were observed on the body, and the remains were taken to Chiredzi District Hospital for post-mortem examination.
Police have since warnedInvestigations into the incident are ongoing, as calls grow for improved maintenance of electrical installations in residential areas to prevent similar tragedies.
