Police investigate Falcon College pupil's drowning after family raises concerns

Police have launched an investigation into the death of a 13-year-old Falcon College pupil who drowned during a canoeing incident at the school's dam in March after his family raised questions about the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. Jared Boka, a Form One pupil at the prestigious Esigodini-based school, died on 22 March 2026 after he reportedly went missing while canoeing with another learner.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) confirmed that investigations are now underway following a formal complaint by the family. ZRP national spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said police would establish the facts surrounding the incident.

"I can confirm that this case has been brought to our attention by the family. They raised allegations and, as police, we have instituted investigations to unravel the truth," said Commissioner Nyathi.

More than three months after Jared's death, the family says it is still waiting for official findings explaining how the incident occurred. The family has also raised concerns over reports that Jared's legs were tied together when his body was recovered from the dam approximately 14 hours after he was reported missing. A family representative said they have repeatedly requested information from the authorities but are yet to receive the investigation report.

"Jared was an excellent swimmer, and for him to drown is shocking. We are told that his legs were tied when the body was retrieved from the dam, but these claims can only be authenticated when we are given the investigation report," the representative told B-Metro.

The family has also questioned the level of supervision provided during the canoeing activity, asking how pupils were able to access the dam without school officials being present.

When contacted for comment, Falcon College headmaster David Kirkman said the school could not comment on matters that are the subject of an active police investigation. He said the school was cooperating fully with investigators.

In the wake of Jared's death, the Boka family has launched an online petition calling on the Government to establish a National Child Safeguarding and School Safety Framework for Zimbabwean schools. Family representative Samantha Boka said the initiative seeks to strengthen child protection measures and prevent similar tragedies. She said parents entrust schools with the safety of their children and called for nationally standardised safety protocols.

Among the proposals are mandatory child safeguarding policies, emergency response plans, designated safety officers, regular safety audits and appropriate lifesaving equipment, including life jackets and first aid kits where water-based activities are conducted.

The Falcon College investigation comes amid renewed concern over child safety following another recent drowning tragedy in Manicaland. Last month, police arrested two non-teaching employees at a mission school in Penhalonga on allegations of culpable homicide after two children, aged five and six, drowned in a disused swimming pool on the school premises.

Police investigations into the Falcon College incident are continuing.

Falcon College pupil drowning investigation