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Nqobile Tshili Chronicle Correspondent
A TODDLER allegedly drowned on Monday after falling into a 20 litre bucket in Bulawayo’s Entumbane suburb.

One-year-old Brighton Mbaiwa, who was left in the custody of the family’s maid, died while the woman was doing laundry.

Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Precious Simango said they have launched investigations into the toddler’s death.

She urged members of the public to exercise caution when dealing with toddlers.

“We received a report where a child died after he drowned in a 20-litre bucket. We want to urge members of the public to be careful when dealing with infants,” said Insp Simango.

She said although such incidents may be accidental, parents and guardians could be arrested for negligence.

“They risk being charged with negligence under the Children’s Protection Act. Although it might have happened by mistake but the law will have to take its course,” she said.

The maid’s name could not be immediately established.

The Chronicle could not reach the infant’s family for comment.

A source said: “The maid is said to have gone inside the house leaving the child playing outside where she was doing laundry. When she came out she found the child having fallen headlong into the 20 litre bucket filled with water.”

When she tried to rescue the baby, he had already died, the source added.

There has been an increase on the number of children who have either died or been injured at home while in the custody of house keepers.

Last year, a maid from Cowdray Park suburb was convicted of murder after she wrapped a 10-month-old baby in a heavy blanket and locked him in a drawer for making “too much noise.”

Violet Moyo was jailed for 22 years for murder with actual intent.