The ManicaPost
AT least three people drowned in Chipinge as a result of incessant rains falling in the district.
Chipinge District police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Blessing Kadzuraumera, confirmed the incidents which occurred recently.
The incidents occurred at Muswazwi River and Chinyuka River under chiefs Garahwa and Gwenzi’s areas respectively.
Said Asst Insp Kadzuraumera: “On January 12 at around 3pm and at Chinyuka River at Jersey Tea Estate under Chief Gwenzi’s area, Gibson Tinarwo (four), Robson Tinarwo (nine) and their sister, Tatenda Tinarwo (16) went to fetch water in Chinyuka River in the company of their mother, Maria Simango (45)
“Upon arriving at the river, Simango tried to fetch water from the river, but she failed as it was flooded.
“She then directed Tatenda to fetch water on her behalf, but she refused and ran away, leaving her with Gibson and Robson.
“Maria then tried to fetch water again with the help of Gibson and Robson. The two juveniles slipped and were swept away by the flooded river.
“Maria tried to rescue the duo, but failed. She alerted other villagers who conducted searches along the river, but to no avail.
“No report was made to the police since villagers were hoping to find the two juveniles. On January 13, the informant, Artwell Makuyana, found the body of the duo floating in the river about 500m from the point they were last seen and informed the police at Grass flats Police Base.
“Police attended the scene and no foul play was suspected. The bodies were retrieved from the river and no post mortem was done,” he said.
In a separate incident, Asst Insp Kadzuraumera, said on January 26 at around 2pm and at Muswazi River in Chinyamukwakwa Village in Chipinge South, a 14-year-old teenager drowned while herding cattle.
“Gift Sithole was herding cattle with his brothers, William Sithole (five) and Thomas Sithole (six) when he tried to swim in a 1, 5m pool and drowned.
“His siblings rushed to inform their father, Joseph Sithole about the incident. Joseph alerted other villagers and rushed to the river. They found the body of Gift floating in the river. A report to the police was made,” he said.
Post mortem was waived by Chipinge magistrate, Mr Noah Gwatidzo.
Asst Insp Kadzuraumera urged members of the public and motorists not to attempt crossing or swimming in flooded rivers.
