Johnson Progress

A devastating incident has shaken the rural community of Datata Village in Makoni District, where a seven-year-old boy, Kissmore Huta, was found hanging from a tree branch near his home.

The incident, which occurred on November 15, has left residents in shock and demanding answers.

According to Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, acting Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, Kissmore was an Early Childhood Development learner at Datata Primary School and was last seen with his 11-year-old sister gathering tree bark rope for making a cattle-driving whip.

“On November 15, around 11 am at Plot 40A, Datata Village near Inyati Mine, Kissmore, who was an Early Childhood Development learner at Datata Primary School, went with his 11-year-old sister to a nearby bush about 100 meters from their home to gather tree bark rope for making a cattle-driving whip,” Chinyoka said.

The sister left Kissmore working alone, but when she returned 15 minutes later, she found him hanging from a tree branch about two and a half meters above the ground.

She called out to him but received no response, prompting her to run home and inform their mother, Sarah Kusena (42).

Kusena reported the incident to ZRP Inyati Mine, and the body was taken to Rusape General Hospital for a post-mortem examination.

Community members are expressing their heartbreak and confusion over what could have caused such a young child to suffer.

“We are urging authorities to investigate thoroughly and provide answers,” said a community member.

Officials and child welfare advocates are calling on parents, teachers, and guardians to closely monitor children’s emotional health, listen carefully to their struggles, and seek help early when warning signs arise.

“Preventing such heartbreaking losses requires vigilance, empathy, and open communication within families,” said a child welfare advocate.

The incident has left Datata Village in mourning and highlights a growing concern as cases of young people taking their own lives increase across communities.