A 12-year-old boy has drowned in the Migina River, located in the Kigembe sector of Gisagara district in Rwanda's Southern Province. The incident occurred on September 20, 2026, and has left the local community in shock. According to eyewitnesses, the boy had gone to the river with two friends when he suddenly fell into the water. The friends alerted the local residents, who in turn notified the police and the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB).
The police and RIB responded quickly to the scene, but unfortunately, the boy had already succumbed to the water. The body was retrieved and taken to Kibilizi Hospital for a post-mortem examination. The police have expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and have urged parents to be more vigilant and ensure their children are safe, especially during the rainy season when rivers and streams can be hazardous.
The spokesperson for the Rwanda Police in the Southern Province, Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Hassan Kamanzi, has expressed sympathy for the family of the deceased. He emphasized the importance of parents monitoring their children and preventing them from playing or swimming in rivers, especially during the rainy season when water levels can rise rapidly. CIP Kamanzi also reminded the public to exercise caution when crossing rivers and streams.
The incident has raised concerns about child safety in Rwanda, particularly during the rainy season. According to the police, many accidents occur when children are left unattended or are allowed to play near water bodies. The police are urging parents to take extra precautions and ensure their children are safe. The community is also being encouraged to report any potential hazards or safety risks to the authorities.
The local community is in mourning, and residents are expressing shock and sadness at the tragic incident. Many are calling for increased awareness and education on child safety, particularly during the rainy season. The incident has also highlighted the need for improved safety measures and emergency response systems in the area.
The police are urging the public to be vigilant and report any potential safety risks or hazards. They are also working with local authorities to identify measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. The government has been working to improve safety and emergency response systems, but more needs to be done to prevent such tragedies.
The family of the deceased has received condolences from the police and the local community. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing child safety and taking precautions to prevent accidents. The police will continue to work with the community to promote safety and prevent similar incidents in the future.
Key points
- The police are urging parents to monitor their children and prevent them from playing or swimming in rivers, especially during the rainy season.
