Grade 1 chocked to death by marula fruit

A nine-year-old Grade One pupil died after choking on a marula fruit in a heartbreaking incident that occurred at Birchenough Bridge on February 10.

Acting Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, identified the child as Junior Chasiyiwa of Gadzai Village under Chief Chamutsa in Buhera.

According to police, the incident happened at around 4pm as Junior was walking home from Birchenough Bridge Primary School in the company of a friend. The two reportedly stopped near Matakada Kiosk, where they began picking and eating marula fruits from a nearby tree.

While eating the fruit, Junior suddenly choked. His friend rushed to alert a nearby adult, Farai Neshumba (50), who attempted to administer first aid but was unsuccessful.

The child was rushed to Birchenough Bridge Hospital, where he was pronounced dead upon arrival.

His body was taken to Birchenough Bridge Hospital mortuary. Police said investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident are underway.