ECD teacher in court over drowning incident

A 50-year-old Early Childhood Development (ECD) teacher from Harare has appeared before the Magistrates' Court facing charges of culpable homicide following the drowning of a three-year-old pupil at Saint Anne's Primary School in Mabelreign.

Martha Karota Rice, a resident of Rugare and employee at the school, was arrested on June 4 in connection with the tragic incident that occurred the previous day.

According to the State's case, on June 3, Rice allegedly left seven pupils unattended and failed to secure the gate leading to the school's swimming pool when she briefly entered the main school building. During her absence, the victim, identified as Elroy Tinayeishe Mutandiro, reportedly wandered into the pool area and drowned.

The court heard that Rice was the only adult responsible for the supervision of the children at the time, and that her alleged negligence led to the fatal outcome.

She has been remanded in custody pending further court proceedings.

Meanwhile, in an unrelated case, the court postponed the matter involving Mike Mupinga, who is facing charges related to rape and is accused of defaulting court appearances. The new date for his hearing is yet to be announced.