There has been an outpouring of grief after an eight-year-old schoolboy, Tinaye Chibaya, died from head injuries after being dragged by a horse he had been riding in Ruwa on Easter Saturday.
Tinaye was one of the primary school pupils who were invited to attend the birthday celebrations of one of their classmates.
The pupils were accompanied by their parents to the celebrations held at Bushman Rock Safaris in Ruwa.
Tinaye was accompanied by his father, banker Brian Chibaya, and his mother, Memory Tsveture Chibaya, for the private party.
As part of the celebrations, the pupils enjoyed horse riding activities.
“The guys were having fun celebrating the birthday of one of their classmates and it was just a perfect day for the families,” said the source.
“However, things took a turn for the worse in an instant when a giraffe started charging towards the horses.
“It’s not clear what had disturbed it but this created alarm among the horses and they also started to flee.
“Some of the guys were tossed from the horses to the ground but Tinaye was unlucky.”
Added the source:
“It appears his leg was trapped on the saddle and he couldn’t be freed from the fleeing horse.
“This means he was dragged for a distance and his head kept hitting the stones and rocks along the way.
“It’s something that you can never wish to happen to any child and the head injuries were so severe the boy had no chance.”
The family had left for Masvingo, where Tinaye is expected to be buried, when H-Metro visited the family home in Waterfalls.
Efforts to get a comment from authorities at Bushman Rock Safaris were unsuccessful yesterday.
Friends have bombarded online platforms to express their shock and condolences to the family.
Here are some of their comments:
Go well Tinaye. My deepest condolences Brian Chibaya and family. May the peace of God that surpasses all understanding be with you at this very difficult moment. — Tafadzwa Takarinda.
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Nematambudziko my dear Memory Tsveture Chibaya. Words cannot express how sorry I am. May the Lord comfort you. — Jules Mawo.
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Nematambudziko Memo, Brian and the whole family. Praying that God will strengthen and comfort you, now and always! Tinaye, you are so loved and missed mwanangu, rest well. — Waraidzo Lillian.
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Nematambudziko Memo, Mwari vatumire mweya wavo munyaradzi vakunyaradzei semhuri munguva yakaoma kudai. — Fadzai Matongo.
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Such a humble, intelligent, cute young boy, gone too soon, we will miss you dearly Tinaye….May God comfort you Memo and Brian, too painful. — Yananai Murwisi Nyemba.
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Oh no, my condolences Memo. May you and the family find comfort during this difficult time. — Nyasha Chapungu.
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May the good Lord keep comforting you Brian and Memory. Your loss is our loss too and may you find comfort through these trying moments. — Sabastine Rutsito.
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My deepest condolences Memo, what an unthinkable loss, tarwadziswa kani, such unbearable pain, May you find solace and comfort in the Lord. Praying for you and your family. — Eve Mabika.
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My deepest condolences to the family. May you find comfort in the almighty God. — Nyarai Nyamufukudza.
