THE Zimbabwe Republic Police has expressed concern over the safety of children, urging parents and guardians to take full responsibility and ensure the safety of learners, particularly those in primary school while travelling to and from school.
In a statement on Thursday, national police spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi cautioned against letting children move around alone, particularly in secluded areas.
The warning comes in the wake of separate tragic incidents involving children across the country.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms the arrest of Obedience Makonye (29) in connection with the callous case of murder which occurred on January 26, 2026 at Gondora Mountain, Guyo B village Zaka, Masvingo,” Nyathi said.
“The suspect allegedly lured his niece and cousin, (14) and (9) to the mountain where he allegedly sexually abused the female juvenile in the presence of the cousin.
“The victims were heading home from school.”
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Nyathi said the suspect murdered both victims to cover up the offence and allegedly dumped their bodies at the mountain.
“The suspect was arrested on January 27, 2026 after confessing the heinous incident to the police.
"Subsequently, the bodies of the victims were located at the mountain and a kitchen knife believed to have been used in the commission of the offence was recovered.”
In a separate incident, the police are investigating circumstances surrounding the murder of an Early Childhood Development learner in Chiredzi.
“The police are investigating circumstances around the case of murder in which an ECD learner Steadfast Makondo (4) was found dead with multiple bruises on January 27, 2026 in Newtown, Chiredzi after reportedly going missing coming from school. The body was found under a Marula tree,” Nyathi said.
He stressed that children should not be allowed to travel alone, particularly in isolated areas, and urged parents and guardians to either accompany primary learners to and from school or use the services of reputable and trusted public transport operators.
Meanwhile, Nyathi also cautioned the public against engaging in unsafe water activities, following a drowning incident at Tugwi-Mukosi Dam.
“Police in Ngundu are investigating a drowning incident in which Leona Zendekanyi (26) and Saint Munyaradzi (3) drowned in Tugwi-Mukosi Dam on January 28, 2026,” he said.
“The incident occurred after a boat carrying the victims and other 8 passengers capsized when it allegedly smashed into a hard object in the water.”
Nyathi urged the public to avoid overloaded boats, ensure the use of proper safety equipment and exercise caution when operating or boarding water vessels.