… as cases of drowning continue to rise
By Meditation Mposi
A dark cloud hung over Mkwasine, in Chiredzi after a two-year-old infant from Village 7, Fair Ranch drowned in a ditch on January 26.
Masvingo Provincial Police Spokesperson Kudakwashe Dhewa confirmed the death of Blessing Mashavele to TellZim News and encouraged parents to monitor their children’s movements during the rainy season.
“I confirm the drowning of Mashavele and I urge parents to monitor their children’s movements during this rainy season. This week we have recorded eleven cases of people who have drowned,” said Dhewa.
Circumstances are that on the fateful day, Mashavele was playing outside while his mother was inside the house. Mashavele’s 16 year old sister later saw him in a ditch, also noticing that he was already dead and carried him home.
Mashavele’s body was taken to Chiredzi General Hospital for postmortem.
On the same day Patrick Vangi (43) of Maturure Village, Headman Madyangove, Chivi drowned in Muchenami River. At around 1000hours Vangi went to the next village for personal errands but failed to come back on the same day.
The following day on January 27 at around 0545 hours two women from Maturiro Village saw him lying face down down on the river bank and they informed his relatives.
His body was taken to Chivi District Hospital waiting for postmortem.