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Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]

THE body of an eight-year-old boy from the Bengo area in Gwanda District, who drowned while attempting to cross a flooded river, has been recovered approximately two weeks after the incident.

Decent Dube, a Grade Three pupil at Ntepe Primary School, drowned while on his way home from the shops with his peer. He will be buried tomorrow.

Matabeleland South acting provincial police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Stanford Mguni, confirmed the development. He said the body was retrieved through a coordinated effort by the police, the drown the community, and other stakeholders.

“I can confirm that the body of an eight-year-old boy who drowned in a river has been retrieved. The police, in collaboration with the community, the Civil Protection Unit, community leaders, and other stakeholders, worked together to recover the body. The body has been taken to Bulawayo for a post-mortem.

“As police, we continue to urge people to refrain from crossing flooded rivers. Parents and guardians should also emphasise this to their children and ensure they accompany them to school if they have to cross rivers. Motorists are also urged to avoid crossing flooded rivers. We have had several cases where vehicles were swept away, and unfortunately, some of these incidents have been fatal,” he said.

The community has created a WhatsApp group to mobilise funds to assist the bereaved family.
Gwanda South legislator and Deputy Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr Omphile Marupi, applauded the community, local leadership, and various arms of government for working together to ensure the body was found. He commended the community for demonstrating unity and commitment.

@DubeMatutu