MIRROR REPORTER

MASVINGO – Blessing Garirai (13), an all-rounder athlete and a netball star from Domborenikiti Primary School in Nyazvidzi and her friend Memory Maruvamba (14) tragically died on Sunday when they drowned while swimming in Nyazvidzi River.
Philip Tarwirei an uncle to Blessing and Ward 4 councillor confirmed the deaths and told The Mirror that the two girls who are related and come from neighbouring farms in Nyazvidzi, Gutu were buried on Tuesday.
Memory attended a school across the river in Buhera.
The girls had gone for fishing but decided to swim later.
Apart from being the head girl at Domborenhikiti, Blessing was a rising star. At age 12, while she was in Grade 6 she became the netball team captain for Zone 4, a cluster of nine schools in the then Gutu North.
The team was only defeated in the finals at district level. This year, there was all the hope that her team would go to the province because of her immense experience in last year’s games. She played as a defender, and was the sports cpatin said Austin Chagwiza who was her teacher.
Zone 4 which she captained comprised Domborenhiti, Shumbayarerwa, Guvamatanga, Rafamoyo, Chikara, Zvavahera, Mutanda, Mutunduru and Chatikobo primary schools which are some of the biggest schools in Gutu District.
Apart from netball she was a good athlete and an excellent javelin thrower. She went all the way to the district in javelin competitions last year.
“We have lost a star and this piece of news has shattered us. Her fellow athletes throughout Gutu District are shocked by the news and they will miss her dearly,” said Chagwiza who is now deputy head at Badza Primary in Serima South.
Tarwirei said there has always been talk of mermaids being seen in the part of the river where the two girls drowned.
After drowning on Sunday, the bodies only emerged on Monday at 11am after some rituals were performed, said Tarwirei.
Masvingo Police Spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa said no foul play is suspected and a postmortem was waived at Gutu Magistrates Court.
Tarwirei said seven minors went fishing along Nyazvidzi River. As they swarm, Blessing suddenly complained that she was tired and she began sinking.
“Her young brother who is in Grade 2 tried to assist her swim to the river bed but failed. Memory then went into the river to assist her but the two ended up drowning.
“The other minors rushed home and informed us of the incident. We went to the spot. We later called traditional healers and spiritualists and it was after they performed rituals that the bodies started coming out to the surface,” he said.