Two heart-wrenching incidents have shaken the city of Harare, claiming the lives of two toddlers who drowned in open wells in separate suburbs. The recent incident occurred on May 23, when 17-month-old Anna Taibva tragically lost her life in an open well in Ushewekunze. According to reports, Anna was playing near the well while her mother was nearby tending to the garden.
Just days earlier, on May 12, a one-year-and-three-month-old girl in Komboniyatsva, Epworth, suffered a similar fate when she fell into a nine-meter-deep well while playing outside with other children. The toddler’s mother was busy doing chores inside the house at the time of the accident.
These incidents are part of a disturbing trend of toddler drownings in Zimbabwe. In Mashonaland Central province, four toddlers drowned in wells in separate incidents in May, bringing the total number of toddler drownings to 23 since January. The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has expressed concern over the increasing number of drowning cases, particularly among toddlers.
The ZRP has issued an urgent appeal to parents and guardians to be extra cautious and ensure potential hazards are out of reach of children. Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko of the ZRP emphasized the importance of child safety and supervision, especially near water bodies. The police have also urged communities to secure hazardous areas around homes to prevent similar tragedies.
Traditional leaders have voiced concern about the accessibility of dangerous water bodies to children. Community police forums are encouraged to increase patrols around known hazardous water spots, particularly during the rainy season. Local authorities are also urged to prioritize the installation of safety barriers and warning signs at hazardous water bodies.
To prevent future tragedies, parents and guardians must take extra care to supervise their children, especially near water sources. Covering open wells and securing hazardous areas around homes can help save lives. The ZRP’s efforts to raise awareness and promote child safety measures are crucial in reducing the number of drowning incidents in Zimbabwe.
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