TRAGIC DISCOVERY: Body of Missing 3-Year-Old Found in Water Pit in Epworth

A three-year-old boy who went missing on Thursday afternoon has been found dead in a water pit in Rockdale, Matombo 10, Ward 7, in Epworth.

The child, identified as Obey Mapako, was reported missing around 3:00 PM on Thursday after his parents could not locate him. A community search was immediately launched, led by Ward 7 Councillor Chamunorwa Tembo and local residents.

According to Councillor Tembo, the search continued into the evening until he received a phone call on Friday morning informing him that the child’s body had been discovered at around 10:00 AM in a nearby water pit close to the road.

The incident has sparked outrage and concern among residents, who blamed the presence of unprotected water pits in the area for the tragedy. Community members are calling for the pits to be secured or permanently closed to prevent further loss of life.

Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) officers, including the Homicide Unit, attended the scene and collected evidence as investigations into the incident continue.

Following discussions with the owner of the pit, Councillor Tembo led residents in partially filling the water pit with stones to stop it from being used again, citing the danger it poses to the community.

The child’s body was later transported to Chitungwiza Central Hospital for a post-mortem examination.

Residents in Epworth are being urged to secure all water pits and lock those not in use in order to prevent similar tragedies in the future.