Grade 3 learner dies in collapsing grocery store

A tragic incident in Mberengwa District on Monday evening claimed the life of a Grade 3 learner from Mahindi Primary School. The young girl, who was seeking shelter from the heavy rains, was killed when a grocery store she had taken refuge in collapsed, trapping her under rubble. The girl, still in her school uniform, died on the spot, a devastating loss for her family and the community.

Mberengwa District Development Coordinator, Mr. Vafias Hlabati, confirmed the incident and described the heavy rains that swept across the district as having caused widespread damage to infrastructure.

"Sadly, the girl was hit by rubble from the collapsed store and died instantly," Mr. Hlabati said. "The district has been severely affected by the rain, and the impact on schools, health facilities, and homes has been significant."

In addition to this heartbreaking loss, 14 learners from Zvemukonde Secondary School were injured after a classroom block's roof was blown off by strong winds. The roofing sheets struck the students, causing injuries. The victims were quickly taken to Zvishavane District Hospital, where they were treated and discharged.

"The students were fortunate to survive, and we are relieved that they have all been treated and discharged," Mr. Hlabati added.

The storm's impact extended beyond schools, with 21 educational institutions, two district hospitals, and 54 homesteads suffering damage. Classes and examinations at several affected schools have been disrupted, and local authorities are seeking urgent assistance to provide relief.

"The worst damage occurred at Zvemukonde Secondary School, where the roof was torn off and several students were injured," Mr. Hlabati said. "In addition, Mnene Hospital, the district's main referral health facility, saw damage to its roof, and water tanks that supply the hospital were affected."

The rains have left many residents displaced, with over 50 homesteads damaged. Families are now living in the open, and the district is working to mobilize tents and food supplies, though they are struggling to meet the demand.

"It's a serious disaster. Villagers are stranded in the open, and we are doing everything we can to assist them, but we are overwhelmed," Mr. Hlabati said. "We have requested support from the provincial office and are awaiting further assistance."

In response to the damage, Mberengwa District has sought permission to find alternative shelter for examination candidates whose schools have been affected. Besides Zvemukonde Secondary, other schools that sustained damage include Masase High, Mnene High, Mbuyanehanda High, Jena Primary, Chimbapire Primary, Ngezi Primary, Chebvute Primary, and Chemakudo Primary.

"We are in urgent need of assistance," said Mr. Hlabati. "This situation has disrupted the lives of many students and their families, and we need help to restore normalcy."

The district has convened an emergency meeting with the Provincial Civil Protection Unit to coordinate relief efforts. The Department of Civil Protection has also activated its systems to provide support to those affected.

"We are working closely with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education to ensure that lessons are suspended in areas where streams are flooded, to save lives," said Mr. Nathan Nkomo, Director of the Department of Civil Protection.

The Meteorological Services Department has predicted more localized downpours across the country, with heavy rains expected to continue through Friday, affecting many areas, including Harare and its surroundings.

As Mberengwa deals with the aftermath of this disaster, the community's resilience and the support from national and local authorities will be critical in helping to rebuild lives and restore essential services.