A tale of deadly holes swallowing the children

Audrey Galawu

One year ago, Gogo Nzaras’ world shattered. A seemingly ordinary day collecting firewood with her three grandchildren turned into an unimaginable nightmare.

One child drowned in a pit filled with rainwater. In a desperate attempt to save their sibling, the other two met the same fate, leaving Gogo Nzara a helpless witness to their tragic demise.

Gogo Nzara’s story is not unique, across Zimbabwe, open pits created by illegal sand poachers have become silent killers, claiming the lives of innocent children.

In 2022 and 2023, a grim pattern emerged:

September 2022: 15-year-old Kudakwashe Matiwana drowned in Pumula South while swimming with friends.
December 2022: A 9-year-old from Cowdray Park, Bulawayo, drowned while playing near a disused pit.
April 2023: Two girls, aged 12 and 13, drowned in a quarry pit near Mabvuku while playing.
September 2023: A 6-year-old boy from Chiweshe drowned in a pit used for illegal brick moulding.

Filled with water during the rainy season, these open wounds in the earth pose a constant threat to unsuspecting youngsters playing nearby.

The lack of accountability from authorities and sand poachers alike adds further insult to the injury.

Regulations Fail, Accountability Missing

While the Environmental Management Authority claims regulations exist to govern sand extraction, residents and activists argue that enforcement is woefully inadequate. Local councils, mandated to designate and monitor sand abstraction sites, are also accused of turning a blind eye.

“Playing the blame game won’t help,” says Reuben Akili, president of the Combined Harare Residents Association.

“EMA, local authorities, and the police must work together to ensure this doesn’t keep happening. We’re losing children and nothing is being done!”

Akili highlights the issue of corruption, claiming some companies operate illegally with the protection of authorities. Elizabeth Manyeruke, a resident, echoes this sentiment, urging the council to hold sand poachers accountable. “How many children have we lost?” she asks. “The council must arrest and fine these poachers! They open pits and leave them open, endangering our children.”

Another resident, Emanuel Mutero said that the ongoing tragedy demands immediate action.

“The ongoing tragedy demands immediate action. Strengthening enforcement of existing regulations, fostering collaboration between authorities, and addressing corruption are crucial steps. Public awareness campaigns and community engagement are equally essential to prevent future tragedies,” he said.