An alternative water source in Pumula that has long sustained residents during prolonged water shedding has turned into a source of grief after claiming the life of a 15-year-old boy who drowned while trying to save a friend.
The incident occurred on Saturday afternoon on the outskirts of Robert Sinyoka peri-urban village in Ward 17.
Bulawayo police spokesperson, Inspector Nomalanga Msebele, confirmed the incident, saying the teenager drowned after rescuing another minor.
“The now deceased was swimming in an abandoned pit near Robert Sinyoka with his friends. One of the minors, who was sitting at the edge of the pit, slipped and fell into the water,” she said.
“The now deceased rushed to the rescue and managed to bring the minor to safety. However, he drowned shortly after. When the other children realised he had submerged, they went to call for help.”
Two minors, both aged 11, died in another abandoned pit in the same suburb in February, while swimming with their friends. Their bodies were retrieved by a 15-year-old minor.
Read: https://cite.org.zw/two-11-year-olds-die-in-abandoned-pit-in-bulawayo/
A visit to the site by a CITE News crew brought forth growing concern among community leaders over the dangers posed by the abandoned pits, which have become informal water sources during extended periods of water shortages.
Village Development Committee (VIDCO) vice chairperson, Richard Thebe, said the pit has existed for years and has been widely used by residents for domestic purposes.
“This pit has been here for a very long time. During periods of excessive water shedding, residents relied on it for water and laundry,” he said.
“While it has helped the community in difficult times, it is now a serious hazard. The rocks here break off easily, creating tunnels underneath, which makes it extremely dangerous, especially for children who swim here.”
Thebe called on the Bulawayo City Council to urgently intervene by sealing the pits, suggesting that waste could be used to fill them.
“We hope the city council can work with the community to find solutions. One option is to use waste to fill these pits instead of taking it all to Richmond Landfill,” he said.
Bulawayo Progressive Residents’ Association (BPRA) Ward 17 vice chairperson Nontando Ndiweni said the latest incident marked the third child death linked to such pits in two months.
“What is happening in our community is very worrying. In just two months, we have lost three children,” she said.
“We cannot continue losing lives like this. Survivors and witnesses also need counselling because of the trauma they have experienced.”
Pumula Youths Leadership Forum coordinator Givemore Mangena said residents had repeatedly raised concerns about the pits, but authorities had not acted.
“It is painful that we continue to record such deaths. There are many pits around Pumula, some left by sand poachers and others by the city council,” he said.
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