Child Swallowed By Death Trap: Manhize Pit Tragedy Sparks Safety, Police Accountability Questions
By Desire Tshuma
Chivhu – A child died on 31 August 2026 after falling into an uncovered pit at Manhize, plunging the community into grief and raising hard questions about safety at excavations linked to industrial works and about how police are handling the case.
The pit was in an area where road construction and rehabilitation works associated with Dinson Iron and Steel Company are being carried out. Residents allege the excavation was left open and unrehabilitated, accessible to children and pedestrians.
Attention has now shifted from the accident to responsibility. Who was supposed to secure the site, and why was it left exposed?
The handling of the police case is also under scrutiny. Community members allege that after a docket was opened, officers approached the company for discussions instead of proceeding through the criminal justice process. The claim has fuelled fears that the matter could be resolved informally, without a formal finding on liability.
Dinson Manhize communications officer Mr Motsi said the company learned of the incident only a few days ago.
“The issue we only heard it few days ago, and it’s still under police investigations so we are yet to discuss with police, no enough information,” he said.
Midlands provincial deputy police spokesperson Inspector Anesu Mahoko said the docket had not yet reached his office but confirmed he is now looking into the matter.
Key questions remain unanswered: Was the hazard reported before the child fell? Who was responsible for fencing or covering the pit? What is the current status of the docket?
The death has revived concern about open pits around large-scale mining and industrial projects. Residents say such excavations endanger children, livestock and pedestrians, especially where sites are not fenced, covered or signposted.
Legal experts note that a fatality linked to an unsafe excavation requires a full investigation to establish possible negligence or criminal liability. They add that private discussions with a family do not replace criminal proceedings where an offence may have occurred.
DISCO’s Manhize steel project is among Zimbabwe’s largest industrial developments and has brought investment, jobs and infrastructure. With that scale comes an obligation, residents and experts say, to secure and rehabilitate every site associated with the works.
For the bereaved family, the issue is simpler and more urgent: answers.
Police say investigations are ongoing.
