By A Correspondent – A 1-year-5-month-old child has died in Talakufa Village under Chief Gezani in Chikombedzi, Masvingo Province, after allegedly ingesting medication while playing outside.

Masvingo police confirmed the tragic incident and said investigations are underway to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the child’s death.

“The circumstances surrounding the death are being investigated, but indications are that the child might have ingested the medication while unattended,” said Masvingo police.

Police urged parents and guardians to ensure that medicines are kept out of reach of children and that young children are properly supervised at all times.

According to reports, the incident occurred on March 4, 2026, when Loenima Ndlovu (18), who is mentally challenged and on medication, was at home with her daughter, Emily Mavesere.

It is alleged that at around 1PM, Ndlovu took her prescribed tablets and went to sleep inside a hut, leaving the toddler playing outside unattended.

While playing, the child reportedly found and chewed 11 tablets of chlorpromazine hydrochloride.

At around 5PM, Ndlovu reportedly woke up and found the child struggling to breathe with red stains around her mouth. She also discovered that several tablets were missing.

The child was rushed to Chikombedzi Mission Hospital where she received treatment and was later discharged the same day.

However, on March 5 at around 7PM, the toddler died at home. Her body was taken to Chiredzi District Hospital for a post-mortem examination while investigations continue.