Tragic Drowning of 12-Year-Old in Hunyani River Highlights Rising Water Safety Concerns in Zimbabwe

In a heart-wrenching incident on Saturday, February 1, 2025, 12-year-old Wallace Kavhukatema from Chinhoyi drowned during a swimming outing in the Hunyani River. Wallace, a pupil at Alpha College Primary School, was accompanied by his 11-year-old friend when the tragedy occurred. According to Assistant Inspector Effort Chapoto, acting provincial spokesperson for the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), the incident took place around 12:30 PM. Wallace struggled while swimming and ultimately drowned. His friend promptly alerted a local resident, Consider Chimulambi, who retrieved Wallace’s lifeless body. The body was subsequently taken to Chinhoyi Provincial Hospital mortuary for postmortem examination.

This tragic event underscores a concerning rise in drowning incidents across Zimbabwe. Recent reports indicate multiple fatalities involving children in various water bodies:

• Rockview Park, Zimre: A 12-year-old boy drowned in a disused three-meter pit left unsecured by a Chinese mining company.
• Goromonzi: Seven children lost their lives in a dam between November 2024 and January 2025.
• Zvishavane: Two children drowned while swimming in an abandoned open-pit chrome mine in Ngwaro Village.

The ZRP has expressed deep concern over these increasing incidents, especially during the rainy season when water levels are high, and currents can be unpredictable. Assistant Inspector Chapoto emphasized the need for heightened vigilance, particularly among parents and guardians. “The incessant rains mean more measures should be taken to avoid such incidents lest we lose more lives. Parents are urged to monitor their children wherever they are and ensure their safety,” he stated.

Water Safety Recommendations

To prevent further tragedies, it’s imperative to adopt comprehensive water safety measures:

1. Constant Supervision: Always watch children when they are in or near water. Drowning can occur quickly and silently, so undistracted supervision is crucial.
2. Swimming Skills: Enroll children in swimming lessons to equip them with essential water skills and boost their confidence.
3. Buddy System: Encourage swimming with a companion. Even experienced swimmers should avoid swimming alone to ensure immediate assistance if needed.
4. Use of Life Jackets: Ensure children and inexperienced swimmers wear appropriate life jackets, especially when in open water or participating in water activities.
5. Secure Water Hazards: Install barriers around home pools and ensure open pits or trenches are covered or fenced off to prevent accidental falls.
6. Educate on Water Safety: Teach children about the dangers of water bodies, the importance of following safety rules, and how to recognize hazardous conditions.

By implementing these measures and fostering a culture of water safety, communities can work together to prevent such heartbreaking incidents in the future.