A young boy from Kariba, Tinotenda Pudu, was recently found safe after spending five days alone in the dangerous Matusadonha Game Park in Mashonaland West in Zimbabwe.
He had wandered 23 kilometres away from his home in the Kasvisva area and became lost in the vast park, known for its lions and tough terrain.
The story was shared by Mashonaland West MP, Mutsa Murombedzi, who described it as “a true miracle.” She explained how Tinotenda survived by eating wild fruit, known as “Nchoomva” in Tonga, and drinking water from a dry riverbed using survival skills he had learned in his drought-prone village.
For five days, Tinotenda struggled to survive near the Hogwe River, a part of the Ume River. He spent nights on rocky ground, with lions roaring nearby and elephants passing through. Despite the dangers, the boy relied on his instincts and strength to keep going.
Eventually, park rangers from Matusadona Africa Parks found him by following fresh tracks. Murombedzi also highlighted the efforts of the Nyaminyami community, who gathered each night, hoping their drumming would lead the boy back to safety.
“We are overwhelmed with gratitude to the brave park rangers, the tireless Nyaminyami community who beat night drums each day to get the boy hear sound and get the direction back home and 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.
When found, Tinotenda was weak and needed medical care, including fluids to help him recover. Murombedzi praised the courage of the park rangers and the relentless efforts of the local community, who never stopped searching for him.
Tinotenda’s survival has become a symbol of resilience and the strength of community, and it is being celebrated as a miracle.
