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Ronald Mpofu, Online Reporter

Police in Bulawayo have confirmed the drowning death of a three-year-old boy who was swept away by floodwaters in a drainage system in New Lobengula.

In a statement, Bulawayo Police Acting Spokesperson Assistant Inspector Nomalanga Msebele confirmed that the child was Sibusiso Methembe Moyo.
She said that, according to reports, Sibusiso and his 8-year-old brother were sent by their mother to run an errand at around 4 pm on the fateful day.

“As the rain poured down, the brothers took refuge in a nearby tuckshop. After the storm passed, they began their walk home, but fate took a cruel turn when Sibusiso accidentally fell into a drainage system and was carried away by the powerful rainwater.
Following the incident, Sibusiso’s brother informed their mother, who then filed a police report,” said Assistant Inspector Msebele.
She said a search was conducted by police officers, members of the public, and the fire brigade.

Assistant Inspector Msebele stated that the search was halted at around 9 pm as it had become too dark to continue, and it resumed today at approximately 6 am.
“At around 8 am, a member of the Neighbourhood Watch Committee made the tragic discovery of Sibusiso’s body, trapped in a drainage along Luveve Road, opposite Josiah Chinamano Primary School,” said Assistant Inspector Msebele.

She said the body was taken to United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH) for a post-mortem.

Assistant Inspector Msebele urged parents and guardians to monitor children closely.
“We urge parents and guardians to always supervise children in their care and to warn them not to cross flooded streams and drainages, but to wait for them to subside, especially during the rainy season. We also encourage people not to cross flooded rivers.”