Full Statement by National Police Spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi on the drowning incident at Malibangwe Bridge, Chikombedzi
The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms the death of two people and the missing of three others in Chikombedzi on 22 March 2021 after the vehicle they were travelling in was swept away by water currents.
A DAF AVM truck that had twelve (12) people on board and was travelling from Chiredzi to Chikombedzi got stuck in the mud upon reaching Malibangwe Bridge at 0300 hours on the 22nd of March 2021.
Seven (7) people disembarked intending to assist the driver to push the trapped motor vehicle from the mud.
Whilst outside, the water level began to rise prompting them to seek safety leaving the other five passengers in the vehicle which was subsequently swept away.
Searches made led to the recovery of two bodies whilst three persons are still missing. Investigations and searches are still underway.
Members of the public are urged to avoid crossing flooded rivers, bridges and water streams, especially where visibility is poor.
Drivers should take heed of safety and precautionary measures in order to safeguard lives.
Above all, people should not travel during the COVID19 curfew period which runs from 2200 hours to 0530 hours the next morning.