An 11-year-old Standard 4 learner from Namasoko Primary School has tragically drowned in Malinguni Dam, Phalombe.

According to Phalombe Police spokesperson Sergeant Jimmy Kapanja, the girl, identified as Charity Namwendo from Namangake Village under Senior Chief Namasoko, went to the dam with friends around 4 PM yesterday to wash clothes.

In a heartbreaking turn of events, she slipped and fell into the water, struggling to swim before disappearing. Her friends immediately rushed to alert her grandmother and nearby residents, who launched a frantic search.

Despite efforts by community members and Migowi Police, the girl could not be found until yesterday’s morning , when her lifeless body was discovered floating in the dam.

Authorities have since retrieved the body, and investigations are ongoing. The incident has left the community in mourning, highlighting the dangers of open water bodies for unsupervised children.