ECD teacher arrested for culpable homicide after pupil, 3, dies in swimming pool in heartbreaking tragedy
An Early Childhood Development (ECD) teacher has been arrested and charged with culpable homicide following the tragic drowning of a three-year-old pupil in a swimming pool in Harare.
The teacher, Martha Karonda Rice, aged 50, of Rugare suburb, appeared before the Harare Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 5 June 2025. She faces a single count of culpable homicide. The charge stems from an incident that occurred at St Anne’s Primary School in Mabelreign, where she is employed.
ZBC reports that according to court papers, the incident happened on Tuesday, 3 June 2025, when Rice was allegedly the only adult responsible for supervising seven ECD pupils. During this time, she reportedly left the children unsupervised and unattended while she walked to the main school building. The prosecutors allege that she also failed to secure the gate leading to the swimming pool, leaving it open and accessible.
It is during this brief absence, the state alleges, that young Elroy Tinayeishe Mutandiro, aged just three, is believed to have wandered into the swimming pool area unnoticed. The child reportedly fell into the pool and drowned.
The matter was reported to the police, leading to the arrest of Karonda Rice the next day. The state is alleging that her conduct—leaving pupils unattended and failing to close off the swimming pool area—constituted gross negligence and directly contributed to the tragic death.
Sole supervisor at the time
At the time of the incident, Karonda Rice was reportedly the sole supervisor assigned to care for the group of seven children in the ECD class. No other teachers or assistants were present.
Prosecutors argued in court that the death could have been avoided if proper supervision had been in place and if access to the swimming pool had been properly restricted.
St Anne’s Primary School has not issued an official statement regarding the incident.
No bail granted
The presiding magistrate denied Rice’s application for bail and remanded her in custody. She is expected to return to court soon as the matter proceeds through the legal system.
Elroy Tinayeishe Mutandiro’s family is said to be devastated. The full details of the funeral arrangements have not yet been made public.
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