Beitbridge Girl Survives Six Days Trapped in Abandoned Borehole

A young girl in Beitbridge East has survived nearly a week trapped inside a disused borehole after her father allegedly threw her into the 12-metre-deep shaft and abandoned her.

The child was rescued alive on Monday morning after spending six days underground in an incident that has sent shockwaves through Tongwe Village in Ward 4.

Her survival is partly being attributed to logs and tree branches that had accumulated inside the abandoned borehole, preventing her from sinking further.

She reportedly spent the entire period without food or water before villagers rescued her. She is now receiving treatment at Beitbridge District Hospital.

The circumstances surrounding the incident remain under police investigation, with officers yet to locate the girl's parents after discovering that their homestead had been deserted.

A police source familiar with the investigations said authorities were pursuing leads to establish what had transpired.

“Investigations are ongoing as we follow leads to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident,” the source said.

The motive behind the alleged attack remains unclear.

Chief Tshitaudze, who confirmed the incident on Tuesday, condemned the alleged treatment of the child and urged families experiencing domestic difficulties to seek assistance from traditional leaders.

He said the incident had left the community distressed, adding that the girl was now facing both physical and emotional challenges.

“What happened to that child is worrying, and we hope the matter will be resolved soon. We await further police investigations into the matter,” he said.

The chief also appealed to residents to look out for one another, stressing that such treatment of children by their parents was unacceptable.

Meanwhile, accounts from people familiar with the child's home environment have raised further concerns about her treatment before the incident.

Some community members, who requested anonymity, alleged that she had been subjected to unequal treatment compared with her three siblings and was made to sleep in a separate makeshift structure built from plastic and other materials.

Social worker Babongile Gora, who is part of the team supporting the girl, said her recovery would require sustained psychological and emotional care beyond the immediate medical intervention.

“This child has endured severe trauma. Beyond her physical survival, we must focus on her emotional and psychological healing,” Gora said.

She said the child needed a safe environment, consistent support and protection from public exposure that could further compound her trauma.

Gora added that social workers were working alongside health personnel, police and other stakeholders to safeguard the minor's welfare.