Staff Reporter
8-year-old Tinotenda Pudu was found alive after wandering for five days in Matusadonha Game Park. The boy had lost his way and unknowingly ventured deep into the wilderness, 23 kilometers from his home.
Mutsa Murombedzi, proportional representation Member of Parliament for Mashonaland West, confirmed the incident on her X handle.
"A true miracle in the remote Kasvisva community, Nyaminyami in rural Kariba where one wrong turn can easily lead into a game park, 8-year-old Tinotenda Pudu wandered away, lost his direction, and unknowingly headed into the perilous Matusadonha Game Park. After five long, harrowing days in the jungle near the Hogwe River, which feeds into the Ume River, the boy was found alive by the incredible rangers from Matusadonha Africa Parks. His ordeal—wandering 23 km from home, sleeping on a rocky perch, amidst roaring lions and passing elephants, eating wild fruits, and enduring the unforgiving wilderness was too much for an 8-year-old," she said.
The search for Tinotenda was intense, with the Nyaminyami community coming together to help locate the young boy. Every night, the community beat drums in hopes of guiding him back home. Their efforts were supported by rangers from Matusadonha, who combed the jungle in search of the boy.
"We are overwhelmed with gratitude for the brave park rangers and the tireless Nyaminyami community, who beat night drums each day to help the boy hear sounds and find his way home. We also thank everyone who joined the search. Above all, we thank God for watching over Tinotenda and leading him back home safely. This is a testament to the power of unity, hope, prayer, and never giving up," Murombedzi said.
Noah Mpofu, a community member, expressed gratitude for the boy's safety
"Wow, this is an ordeal no one should have to go through. The young boy is indeed a survivor. We greatly thank our God for protecting him. Imagine seeing the rescue team coming, and then they speed off what sadness and discouragement that would bring. Even that could lead one to lose hope. But this story proves the power of perseverance."
This remarkable tale of survival is a testament to the strength of community and the protection of the wild.
