Teenager Allegedly Poisoned Stream, Killing Fish and Donkey

BEITBRIDGE – A 13-year-old boy is at the centre of a poisoning scandal in Beitbridge, after allegedly pouring toxic herbicide into a local stream, killing fish and a donkey.

The incident, which occurred on Monday, has contaminated a crucial water source relied upon by residents and livestock across at least five villages in the Mutetenwa community.

The community was shocked and devastated by the sudden change in the stream’s water, which turned purple and led to the death of fish and a donkey, according to Mr. Nelson Mohadi, senior village head of Mutetenwa.

“We were shocked to see the water turn purple, and then the fish and donkey started dying,” he said.

The community’s reliance on the stream for their livelihoods has made the incident even more dire.

Local authorities have activated the disaster risk management committee, warning downstream residents to avoid using the stream’s water and seek alternative sources for their livestock.

In response to the incident, Chief Superintendent Melusi Ncube stated, “We are working closely with the civil protection committee to investigate the incident and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.”