Hellenic Academy Shuts Down For 2 Days After Teen Pupil Is Found Dead In Swimming Pool

A 14-year-old Hellenic Academy pupil was found dead in the school’s swimming pool after attending a swimming lesson on Thursday, September 24, 2026, with some parents now questioning the school’s safety procedures.

Daniel Mukudzei Moyana, a Form One pupil, was discovered in the pool after his mother arrived at the school to collect him at around 6pm and could not find him at the usual collection point.

The tragedy has prompted the school to close on Monday, September 28, and Tuesday, September 29, although Cambridge examinations will continue as scheduled.

Daniel Moyana Found In Hellenic Academy Pool

According to H-Metro, Daniel had attended a swimming lesson earlier on September 24.

Sources told the publication that his mother, Takana Mary Moyana, went to the school at around 6pm expecting to collect her son.

However, Daniel was reportedly not at the school gate as expected.

She then approached the school’s Head of Aquatics, Hadyn Skinner, after learning that Daniel had been scheduled for swimming that day.

Skinner reportedly accompanied her to the swimming pool area.

The pool area was allegedly locked when they arrived. Skinner is said to have climbed over a security fence before discovering Daniel’s school bag on the terraces.

The report states that he then removed tents covering the pool after the swimming lessons, at which point Daniel’s body was discovered in the water.

The circumstances surrounding what happened during and after the swimming session are now being investigated.

Parents Question Swimming Pool Procedures

H-Metro reported that approximately 17 pupils attended the swimming session under the supervision of 44-year-old swimming instructor Shingai Jangara.

Jangara reportedly told the publication that he had accounted for the pupils before and after the session.

He also claimed that the gates had been locked and that Daniel was among the pupils when they left the swimming pool area.

The conflicting details have led to questions from some parents and guardians.

One parent described the incident as evidence of “serious negligence” and questioned the procedures in place at the school.

Another guardian said the tragedy had deeply affected the school community.

“We have been deeply affected by this incident at a school ground,” the guardian said.

However, the allegations made by parents have not been established as fact, and the investigation is still underway.

Hellenic Academy Announces Two-Day Closure

Hellenic Academy confirmed Daniel’s death in a statement and appealed for people to avoid speculation while authorities investigate.

The school said:

“Hellenic Academy confirms the passing of Form 1 pupil Daniel Mukudzei Moyona on the evening of September 24, 2026. The circumstances surrounding Daniel’s passing are currently being attended to by relevant authorities.”

The academy said it was cooperating with the relevant processes and supporting pupils affected by the death.

It also asked the public to respect the Moyana family’s privacy.

“We ask that speculation regarding the circumstances of Daniel’s passing be avoided while these processes are underway and that the family’s privacy be respected.”

The school announced that it would remain closed on September 28 and 29, with normal school activities resuming on Wednesday, September 30.

Cambridge examinations will, however, continue during the closure.

The case was reportedly recorded under RRB 7000158 at Borrowdale Police Station.

National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi had not commented on the matter at the time of H-Metro’s report.

Nattie College has also reportedly expressed condolences following the tragedy.

For now, Daniel’s family is mourning his death while authorities work to establish exactly what happened at the swimming pool on September 24.