A heartbreaking tragedy has left the community of Nzovunde Village in Binga District in mourning, after a two-year-old child lost their life from severe burn injuries sustained in a domestic accident involving a large container of boiling porridge.
According to a statement released by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), the tragic incident occurred on Tuesday, 3 June 2025. The toddler, who was under the care of a grandparent at the time, reportedly fell into a large metal dish containing approximately 40 litres of boiling porridge. The porridge was being prepared as part of a traditional beer-brewing process.
Authorities say the dish had been left unattended for a brief moment when the toddler wandered into the area and accidentally fell in. The scalding contents caused extensive burns to the child’s body. Despite efforts to save the young life, the toddler tragically succumbed to the injuries the following day, on Wednesday, 4 June 2025.
In a statement confirming the incident, the ZRP said:
“The ZRP reports a tragic incident which occurred at Nzovunde Village, Binga, on 3 June 2025, where a two-year-old toddler fell into a metal dish containing approximately 40 litres of hot porridge. The toddler was severely burnt and succumbed to the injuries on 4 June 2025.”
The untimely death has sent shockwaves throughout the local community, triggering grief and concern among families, traditional leaders, and health officials. Neighbours who gathered to offer condolences described the child as cheerful and full of life, making the loss even more difficult to comprehend.
Toddler Dies After Falling into Hot Porridge in Binga Village
Family members, too distraught to speak at length, expressed their sorrow and regret over what they called a “terrible accident that happened in the blink of an eye.” The grandmother, who was cooking outdoors using traditional methods common in many rural areas, is said to be devastated.
The tragic event has reignited national discussions on the need for increased safety precautions in domestic settings, particularly in rural areas where children are often in close proximity to cooking fires and large containers of hot food or liquids.
Child safety advocates and community health workers have called for urgent awareness campaigns focusing on preventing home-based accidents. They emphasized that while traditional cooking methods are part of everyday life in many communities, they come with inherent risks that need to be managed more proactively.
“The loss of a child in such a preventable manner is a painful reminder of how vulnerable children are to hazards in the home,” said one local community health nurse. “We are urging parents and caregivers to establish child-safe zones, especially during food preparation, and to never leave hot liquids or open fires unattended.”
Local leaders have echoed these concerns, calling on authorities to introduce training programs on domestic safety as part of rural development and health outreach initiatives. Some have suggested distributing illustrated safety guides in local languages to better reach families in remote areas.
The tragedy has also prompted calls for the implementation of child protection policies at the village level. Suggestions include creating safe play areas within homesteads, ensuring constant supervision of toddlers, and rethinking how traditional tasks are carried out when young children are nearby.
Meanwhile, social welfare officers are reported to be working closely with the affected family, offering emotional support and counseling as they cope with the devastating loss. Community members have also stepped in to assist with funeral arrangements, in a collective show of sympathy and solidarity.
As the community mourns the loss of the young life, the incident serves as a solemn reminder of the critical importance of vigilance when caring for young children, especially in environments with open fires and large containers of hot substances.
Authorities continue to urge all families to take safety precautions seriously and ensure young children are always supervised—because even a few seconds of inattention can result in tragedy.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police has reiterated its appeal to the public to report any safety concerns and to support efforts aimed at raising awareness about domestic hazards. Their message is clear: while accidents can happen, many are preventable with the right knowledge, awareness, and precaution.
