
An 8-year-old boy who went missing from his rural home in Kariba has been safely located by rangers after spending five days alone in the wildlife-rich Matusadonha Game Park in Mashonaland West.
Tinotenda Pudu wandered away from home and accidentally ventured into the perilous park, as noted by Mutsa Murombedzi, a local MP, in a social media post.
She described the situation as a “true miracle” for the remote Kasvisva community, where a wrong turn can lead into dangerous wildlife territory.
After enduring a harrowing five days near Hogwe River, which feeds into Ume River, Tinotenda was found alive by the dedicated rangers of Matusadona Africa Parks.
He had wandered approximately 23 kilometers from home, sleeping on rocky terrain and surviving among lions and elephants by eating wild fruits.
Murombedzi expressed deep gratitude to the brave park rangers and the Nyaminyami community, who beat drums each night to help guide Tinotenda back home.
“We thank God for watching over him and leading him back safely. This is a testament to unity, hope, and perseverance,” she said.
According to the MP, Tinotenda survived by eating a wild fruit known as Nchoomva and drinking water from a dry riverbank using techniques learned in his drought-prone area.
When rescued, he was frail and needed a drip to regain strength. He attempted to reach the sound of a ranger’s vehicle but was too late to be seen. However, the rangers discovered his fresh footprints and found him shortly after.
“This was likely his last chance for rescue after five days in the wilderness,” Murombedzi added.
-Zimlive