Grenade kills boys

Community News
BULAWAYO — Two boys have allegedly been killed by a grenade left by soldiers after conducting their training at a farm adjacent to their base in Shurugwi, Midlands province.

BULAWAYO — Two boys have allegedly been killed by a grenade left by soldiers after conducting their training at a farm adjacent to their base in Shurugwi, Midlands province.

REPORT BY NQOBANI NDLOVU

The incident took place two weeks ago at Stockferi farm where soldiers from the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) Lazy Nine Base conduct their training.

Three boys: Prince Venganayi (12), Takunda Venganayi (11) and Mabutho Bhekwa (16) from Vutete village who were herding cattle picked up a grenade which had allegedly been dumped by soldiers after their training at the farm.

The late Bhekwa was cousin brother to the Venganayis.

Without knowing how dangerous it was, the boys started playing with the grenade until it exploded, killing Prince on the spot while Mabutho died on his way to hospital.

Takunda sustained broken legs and he is recovering at Silveira Mission Hospital in Masvingo, family members told The Standard.

Shadreck Venganayi, anuncle to the late Prince and Mabutho, accused the army of negligence by leaving the grenade lying idle in the area after their training.

Another villager was killed last year after stepping on a grenade in the same area.

Venganayi blasted ZNA for failing to provide any assistance during the funeral of Prince and Mabutho.

The incident was reported at Donga Police Station.

Venganayi added that before the burial police station took Prince’s body to Zvishavane for post-mortem which confirmed that the boys were killed by a grenade.

When contacted for comment, ZNA spokesperson Major Alphios Makotore said he was on leave.