Two Children Drown in Tragic Swimming Accident, Two Weeks After Parents’ Divorce

Two children tragically drowned in a makeshift pool in Rusape on Monday, barely two weeks after their parents’ tumultuous divorce.

The brothers, Blessmore Sandako (9) and Wayne Tashaya (7) drowned in Magamba after going to a pool to swim.

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Two Children Drown in Tragic Swimming Accident, Two Weeks After Parents’ Divorce

According to police, the siblings, accompanied by their four-year-old brother Blessed, wandered to a makeshift pool created by water harvesters in a seasonal stream. While playing, Wayne slipped into the water and struggled to stay afloat. Blessmore attempted to rescue him but also drowned. Blessed ran to alert their mother, who, along with neighbours, retrieved their lifeless bodies.

Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, the acting police spokesperson for Manicaland, confirmed the incident to Manica Post. He urged parents to monitor their children closely, particularly during the rainy season.

“Parents and guardians are being encouraged to closely monitor the movements of their children, especially this rainy season. The public is also urged to stay away from water bodies, especially if they are not good swimmers,” he said.

The deceased boys’ mother, Talent Sandako, had recently moved to Rusape, reportedly fleeing an abusive marriage with Webster Tashaya. She allegedly sold two cattle to finance her relocation, seeking a fresh start for herself and her children.

The Boys’ Father Speaks

However, the family’s troubles deepened following the children’s deaths. Mr. Tashaya, Wayne’s father, expressed his anguish, blaming Talent for taking the children with her despite his objections.

“I lost my son, and since then, I cry every day. I will never stop crying, and life will never be the same again without my precious son,” he said.

He also denied allegations of abuse, claiming their separation stemmed from infidelity.

“Technically, we are divorced after I caught her with another man in our bedroom. I wrestled with the man until she assisted him to escape,” he said, adding that the incident had strained their marriage irreparably.

Blessmore and Wayne, both students at Gandidzanwa Primary School in Odzi, were buried side by side on Wednesday. The incident has left the Rusape community shocked and mourning the loss of two young lives.

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