Zim GBC News | Midlands Correspondent
KWEKWE – A day of celebration turned to tragedy in Redcliffe on Christmas Day when a five-year-old boy and a 31-year-old man drowned in a water-filled pit after a failed rescue attempt.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) confirmed the double fatality, which occurred at Mzila Compound in Kwekwe on December 25.
According to police reports, the incident began when the young boy was playing near a two-metre-deep pit containing water.
“The child was reportedly playing near the pit with an empty two-litre plastic container, which was floating in the water,” the ZRP stated.
Police said the tragedy unfolded when the child attempted to retrieve his toy from the water.
“In an attempt to retrieve the container, the minor fell into the pit and drowned,” the ZRP explained.
A 31-year-old man who had been drinking beer nearby witnessed the incident and immediately attempted to save the child.
“A 31-year-old man who was drinking beer nearby attempted to rescue the child but also fell into the pit and drowned,” police confirmed.
The desperate rescue attempt ended in further tragedy as both individuals succumbed to the water in the deep pit.
Patrons from a nearby bar later retrieved the bodies of both victims from the pit.
“The bodies of both victims were later retrieved by patrons from a nearby bar,” the ZRP said.
Authorities confirmed that,
“The bodies were conveyed to Kwekwe General Hospital mortuary for post-mortem examination.”
The community of Mzila Compound has been left reeling from the Christmas Day tragedy, which highlights the dangers posed by open pits and water hazards in residential areas, particularly to young children.
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