A seven-year-old pupil from Mutasa in Manicaland drowned on his way to school after he attempted to cross a flooded river on Wednesday last week.
Police have confirmed the incident and advised people to avoid crossing flooded rivers. The incident left Kanganya villagers devastated.
Kudakwashe Manyuchi was going to school in the company of his 12-year-old brother Knowledge, when they attempted to cross the flooded Mubvumira River on the fateful day.
Kudakwashe reportedly tried to cross the river using a wooden footbridge, but slipped and fell into the river which swept him away.
“His brother dived into the river to try and rescue him, but he failed to locate his younger brother in flowing waters.
“He rushed to inform a fellow villager who was doing laundry in the river,” said acting Manicaland police spokesperson Sergeant Muzondiwa Clean.
The villager ran home to call other people who then rushed to the scene. They conducted a search and found the lifeless body 20 metres away from where he slipped.
“This rainy season is dangerous for young children as many cases of drowning involving children are reported.
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“We urge parents to accompany their children to school at all times. This way we can save lives,” Clean said.