A tragic incident occurred in the Kasaï region of the Democratic Republic of Congo on September 20, 2026, when a 12-year-old schoolgirl lost her life by drowning in the Tshikapa River. According to local sources, the victim, Esther Kabedi Mulamba, was a 7th-grade student at the Complexe Scolaire Saint-David in Tshikapa. The incident took place while she was bathing in the river before heading to school.
The local community was informed of the incident, and a search party was launched to retrieve the girl's body from the river. Her father, Étienne Mulamba, who is also the Customer Service Manager at the Electricity of Congo (EDC), made an emotional appeal to the public, particularly the riverbank residents and fishermen, to contact him at 0972270812 if they find his daughter's body, so that it can be properly buried.
The incident has raised concerns among the local population, with many calling for increased vigilance and caution when using the river. Residents are being urged to educate their children about the dangers of playing in the river, especially during peak hours. The authorities have not yet commented on the incident, but it is expected that an investigation will be conducted to determine the circumstances surrounding the girl's death.
The Tshikapa River is a vital waterway in the Kasaï region, providing water for irrigation, fishing, and other domestic purposes. However, the river's strong currents and deep waters pose a significant risk to people, especially children, who may not be skilled swimmers. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of water safety and the need for communities to take measures to prevent such tragedies from occurring.
The local authorities have been informed of the incident, and it is expected that they will take steps to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future. The community is coming together to support the grieving family, and a fundraising campaign may be organized to help with the funeral expenses. The incident has also sparked a renewed debate about the need for swimming lessons and water safety education in schools.
Esther Kabedi Mulamba's death has sent shockwaves through the community, with many expressing their condolences to the family. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of parental supervision and the need for communities to work together to ensure the safety and well-being of children. A memorial service may be organized in the coming days to celebrate the life of the young girl.
The search for Esther Kabedi Mulamba's body is ongoing, with local fishermen and riverbank residents urged to be on the lookout. The community remains hopeful that the body will be recovered soon, allowing the family to give their daughter a proper burial. The incident will be closely monitored by local authorities, and measures will be taken to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
Key points
- A 12-year-old schoolgirl drowned in the Tshikapa River in the Kasaï region of the Democratic Republic of Congo on September 20, 2026.
