By Michelle Ngwenya
The body of an 11‑year‑old boy who drowned in the Manzamnyama River in Tsholotsho has been found, two weeks after he was swept away by strong currents.
The remains of Mbongeni Tshuma were discovered yesterday about eight kilometres downstream near Nshaba by 35‑year‑old Nathaniel Sibanda, who was searching for herbs along the riverbank.
Mbongeni disappeared on 8 February 2026 while bathing in the river with his 10‑year‑old classmate after school. According to a police report, the boys went to the river at around 12pm, and while they were in the water, Mbongeni swam towards the middle of the river where he was overpowered by the current and swept away.
His friend ran home to alert adults, and villagers quickly organized a search, but the boy could not be located. The following morning, at around 8am, the matter was reported to Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Tshefunye Base. Police attended the scene and conducted searches, and the Sub‑Aqua Unit was notified, but efforts over the next two weeks failed to recover the body.
Police confirmed that at approximately 1:30pm yesterday, Sibanda spotted a body along the Manzamnyama River near Nshaba, about eight kilometres from where the boy initially drowned. The remains, which were in an advanced state of decomposition, were identified as Mbongeni’s. He was wearing the same pair of trousers he had on when he disappeared.
ZRP officers retrieved the body and transported it to Tsholotsho District Hospital for a post‑mortem examination.
In a related incident last month, a 31‑year‑old man from Hwange District drowned after his vehicle was swept away while attempting to cross the flooded Deka River.
Commenting on the tragedy, Matabeleland North provincial police spokesperson Inspector Glory Banda urged communities to exercise extreme caution around water bodies.
“As police, we appeal to parents and guardians to ensure that children do not play near rivers and dams, especially during the rainy season. Where possible, swimmers should use life jackets and avoid crossing flooded rivers,” he said.