A fisherman from Kariba’s Nyamhunga Phase 3, Aleck Pembere, 24, cheated death by a whisker when his boat capsized on Lake Kariba Tuesday night, but his colleague, Isaac Parichi, was not so fortunate.
Pembere described his escape as a “miracle” after he found himself clinging to a refrigerator that had fallen off the vessel.
For a terrifying 45 minutes, the appliance was his only lifeline until fellow fishermen spotted him from a distance and rushed to his rescue.
Tragically, Pembere’s colleague, Parichi, was not so lucky, and his fate remains unknown. Said Pembere:
<blockquote>
We were communicating with my friend Isaac Parichi for the first five minutes after the accident, trying to seek help, but he eventually disappeared.
</blockquote>
Pembere and Parichi were traveling from ARDA-Gache Gache Fishing Camp to Kariba Urban when a tidal wave struck their boat.
The boat was carrying a cargo of two refrigerators, small containers, life jackets, and paddles.
A fisherman who declined to be named urged authorities to provide patrol boats for rescue services to prevent such tragedies in the future. He said:
<blockquote>
We need patrol boats to monitor the lake and ensure that boats are adhering to safety regulations. This would help prevent accidents and save lives.
</blockquote>
The search for Parichi resumed on Wednesday, but unfortunately, the efforts yielded no results.
As the hours tick by, hopes of finding him alive are fading. Despite this, the search was expected to continue on Thursday.
More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200039446/kariba-accident-survivor-relives-harrowing-experience">NewsDay</a>

Pindula News

A fisherman named Aleck Pembere survived a boat accident on Lake Kariba while his colleague Isaac Parichi's fate is unknown. Their boat capsized and a tidal wave struck them. Pembere held onto a fallen refrigerator for 45 minutes until other fishermen rescued him. They were traveling from ARDA-Gache Gache Fishing Camp to Kariba Urban. Authorities were urged to provide patrol boats to prevent such accidents. The search for Parichi continued, but with fading hopes. Despite this, efforts were ongoing to find him.

Fisherman Survives Boat Accident On Lake Kariba, Colleague’s Fate Unknown

In two separate but equally tragic incidents, two children drowned in an abandoned pit in Chipinge, while an elderly man was burnt beyond recognition in Chitungwiza.
In the first incident, confirmed by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), two male infants, aged 5 and 6, drowned in an abandoned pit filled with rainwater while swimming at Muradzikwa Village, Chipinge, on 24 February.
The victims, along with their 7-year-old sister, were left at home while their grandmother attended a funeral in the neighbourhood. Police said:
<blockquote>
The ZRP confirms a tragic incident in which two male infants, aged 5 and 6, drowned in an abandoned pit filled with rain water while swimming at Muradzikwa Village, Chipinge on 24/02/25.
The victims, along with their 7-year-old sister, were left at home while their grandmother attended a funeral in the neighbourhood.
The three children went to the nearby pit to swim, resulting in the tragic drowning of the two victims.
</blockquote>
In the second incident, the ZRP said a 73-year-old man was burnt beyond recognition after the house he was in caught fire in Zengeza 2, Chitungwiza, on Wednesday. Police said:
<blockquote>
The ZRP confirms a tragic fire incident which occurred at a house in Zengeza 2, Chitungwiza on 26/02/25. A man (73) was burnt beyond recognition after the house he was in caught fire.
The blaze also destroyed property which was in the house and shattered window panes. 
</blockquote>
The ZRP added that investigations are currently underway to determine the exact cause of the fire

Two children drowned in a pit while swimming in Chipinge and an elderly man died in a house fire in Chitungwiza. The children, aged 5 and 6, drowned in the pit while their grandma was at a funeral. The elderly man, 73, was burnt in a fire in his house. Police are investigating the cause of the fire. It is very sad and important to be safe around water and fire to prevent accidents like these from happening.

Two Children Drown In Chipinge, Elderly Man Dies In House Fire Chitungwiza

Two young children, a boy and a girl, tragically lost their lives on Saturday while collecting an indigenous fruit, the bird plum, locally known as “nyii” or “n’ii,” in Mberengwa, Midlands Province.
According to the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), the incident occurred at a deserted homestead in Maduveko Village, Mataga, Mberengwa.
The children had ventured to the area to collect the bird plums, which had fallen into an old, disused fish pond located on the property.
In their attempt to retrieve the fruit from the pond, the children tragically drowned.
The ZRP confirmed the heart-wrenching event through a post on their official X (formerly Twitter) account on Sunday evening:
<blockquote>
The ZRP reports a sad incident in which a boy (4) and girl (9) drowned in a disused fish pond while collecting nyii fruits at a deserted homestead at Maduveko Village, Mataga, Mberengwa on 15/02/25.
The incident occurred after some nyii fruits fell into the fish pond resulting in the victims diving in the pond to retrieve the fruits.
</blockquote>

Two children, a boy and girl, drowned while picking bird plums in an old fish pond in Mberengwa. They went to collect the fruit, fell into the pond, and couldn't get out. The police confirmed the sad news on their social media. The incident happened in Maduveko Village, Mataga. People should be careful around old ponds to prevent accidents like this. It's important to stay safe and avoid dangerous places where accidents can happen. Let's learn from this tragedy and make sure no more children get hurt.

Two Children Drown In Disused Fish Pond While Collecting Bird Plums In Mberengwa

A three-year-old boy from New Lobengula, Bulawayo, tragically drowned on Tuesday afternoon after being swept away by floodwaters following heavy rains in the city.
The incident was confirmed by Bulawayo’s acting provincial police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Nomalanga Msebele, who identified the victim as Sibusiso Methembe Moyo. Said Msebele (via <a href="https://cite.org.zw/bulawayo-boy-3-drowns-after-slipping-into-flooded-drain/">CITE</a>):
<blockquote>
On 11 February 2025, at around 4 p.m., Sibusiso and his eight-year-old brother were sent on an errand by their mother. As they were walking, it started raining, and they took shelter at a local tuck shop.
</blockquote>
She said after the rain had stopped, the boys resumed their journey home. However, on their way back, Sibusiso slipped into a drainage channel and was swept away by the fast-moving water.
According to the police, his brother quickly ran home to alert their mother, who then reported the incident.
A search operation, involving members of the public, police officers, and the fire brigade, was launched, but sadly, the child could not be found. Added Msebele:
<blockquote>
The following morning, at around 8 a.m., a member of the neighbourhood watch committee discovered Sibusiso’s body in a drainage channel along Luveve Road, opposite Josiah Primary School.
</blockquote>
The body was retrieved and transported to United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH) for a post-mortem examination.

A little boy named Sibusiso drowned in floodwaters in Bulawayo after heavy rain. He was walking with his brother when he slipped into a drainage channel and got swept away. His brother ran home to tell their mom, who called the police. They searched for Sibusiso but couldn't find him. The next day, his body was found by a neighborhood watch member. They took the body to the hospital for examination. It's a sad story about a young boy who lost his life in a flood.

Three-Year-Old Boy Swept Away By Floodwaters In Bulawayo

Police have recovered the bodies of two men who drowned at Matopo Mission Dam on the evening of January 24, 2025.
According to <a href="https://www.zimlive.com/police-recover-bodies-of-2-men-who-drowned-at-matopo-school-dam/">ZimLive</a>, the men, whose identities have not been released, had been hired by the school to carry out repairs on dormitories damaged in a fire last year.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the school’s headmaster, Gardson Sibanda, explained that after finishing work around 7 PM, the men decided to swim in the dam to cool off. Unfortunately, they quickly ran into trouble. He said:
<blockquote>
Efforts to rescue them were fruitless and the matter was urgently reported to Matopo police.
</blockquote>
Rescue efforts were suspended on January 24 as nightfall set in and resumed the following day.
The police sub-aqua unit from Fairbridge in Bulawayo successfully retrieved the two bodies, which were then taken to United Bulawayo Hospitals for post-mortem examinations.

Two men were hired to fix a school that had a fire. After working, they went swimming in a dam to cool off but drowned. The school headmaster said they tried to rescue them but couldn't. The police found their bodies the next day. They took the bodies for tests at the hospital. It was a sad accident.

Two Men Drown At Matopo Mission Dam After Day’s Work

A 25-year-old woman from Triangle in the South East Lowveld has been charged with murder after allegedly throwing her two young daughters into a water canal before attempting suicide last week.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said Blessing Chiromonye was arraigned before the Chiredzi Magistrates’ Court on Monday and was remanded in custody to January 23, 2025. Said the NPA:
<blockquote>
Allegations are that, on the 8th January 2025, the accused threw her two daughters aged 4 and 8 into the main water canal, Triangle, resulting in their drowning and death. 
The accused person tried to commit suicide by jumping into the canal but was thrown out by the water. She went home and changed her wet clothes and tried to flee. 
The driver of the commuter omnibus she took was tipped about what had transpired and drove the accused person back. A police report was made, leading to her arrest.
</blockquote>
In an earlier statement, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) said Chiromonyo took her daughters—aged three and seven—and jumped into the canal.
The children were swept away by the strong current, tragically drowning, while Chiromonyo was able to escape from the water unharmed.
Investigations by the Police established that the incident occurred after Chiromonyo had accused her husband of infidelity.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

A woman named Blessing Chiromonye has been accused of throwing her two daughters, aged 4 and 8, into a canal, causing their deaths. She tried to commit suicide but was stopped by the water. She changed clothes and tried to run away, but the driver of the bus she took brought her back. The police arrested her. Earlier, she had jumped into the canal with her other two daughters, aged 3 and 7, because she accused her husband of cheating. She survived, but the children drowned. Chiromonye is now in custody, waiting for a court date in January 2025.

Woman Accused Of Drowning Her Two Daughters Remanded In Custody

A 25-year-old woman from Masvingo has been arrested for allegedly drowning her two daughters in a water canal on Wednesday, following a dispute with her husband.
According to a statement from the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), the suspect, Blessing Chiromonyo, took her daughters—aged three and seven—and jumped into the canal.
The children were swept away by the strong current, tragically drowning, while Chiromonyo was able to escape from the water unharmed. Police said:
<blockquote>
Police in Masvingo arrested, Blessing Chiromonyo (25) for murder which occurred at a water canal at Section 4, Triangle on 08/01/25.
The suspect got hold of her two daughters aged three and seven before diving into the water canal.
The children drowned after being swept away by water while the suspect managed to get out of the canal unhurt.
Investigations by the Police established that the incident occurred after the suspect had accused her husband of infidelity.
</blockquote>
Chiromonyo is now facing two counts of murder, each stemming from the tragic deaths of her daughters. If convicted, she could face a lengthy prison sentence.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

A 25-year-old woman drowned her two daughters in a canal after a fight with her husband. The incident happened in Zimbabwe. The mother, Blessing Chiromonyo, survived the drowning but her daughters, aged three and seven, tragically died. The police arrested Chiromonyo for murder. She blamed her husband for cheating on her. Now, she may go to prison for a long time if found guilty. It's a very sad and serious situation where two innocent children lost their lives because of their mother's actions.

Mother Drowns Her Two Young Daughters In Apparent Botched Murder-Suicide Attempt

Two children from Ngwaro Village, under Chief Mapanzure in Zvishavane, tragically drowned on Saturday while swimming in an abandoned open-pit chrome mine.
The young victims have been identified as 9-year-old Tendai Hove and her 11-year-old cousin, Leeroy Makungwe.
Village head Maxwell Moyo confirmed to <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/two-children-drown-in-an-open-pit-chrome-mine-in-a-zvishavane-village/">NewZimbabwe.com</a> that the incident occurred around 11 AM on that fateful day. He said:
<blockquote>
The children had been sent on an errand but were drawn to the mine pits left behind from the extraction activities.
We recovered their bodies around 3 PM the same day.
The other children who were with them were swimming in the shallower areas and managed to escape unharmed.
</blockquote>
Moyo said that the mine is owned by a group of local investors operating under the ZimAsset framework, with support from Chinese investors.
He said the community has been calling on the miners to fill in the pits after depleting the resource, especially since the mine is located just 800 meters from the village. Unfortunately, these pleas have gone unheeded.
A villager, who wished to remain anonymous, said there had been longstanding concerns about the potential for such an accident. The community feels increasingly powerless to address the issue, despite their fears. Said the villager:
<blockquote>
The miners leave behind these open pits that fill with water during this season, attracting children to play in them.
Mining is happening alarmingly close to our homes, and despite our complaints, nothing changes.
The issue has become too political to resolve. We are left vulnerable, and our community, as well as our livestock, are at risk from these hazardous pits.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Two children (9-year-old Tendai and 11-year-old Leeroy) drowned in a chrome mine in Zvishavane. They were playing in the mine when it happened. Other children with them escaped. The mine is owned by local and Chinese investors. The community has been asking the miners to fill in the pits for safety, but nothing has been done. Villagers are worried about more accidents happening. They feel helpless and scared. The issue is becoming political. The community and their animals are at risk because of the dangerous pits.

Two Children Drown In Abandoned Chrome Mine In Zvishavane

An estranged couple from Odzi in Manicaland Province has tragically lost their two children, just two weeks after separating amidst allegations of infidelity.
According to <a href="https://www.manicapost.co.zw/family-loses-2-children-2-weeks-after-divorce/">The Manica Post</a>, Talent Sandako, the mother, fled her abusive husband, Webster Tashaya, and moved to Rusape with their two children—nine-year-old Blessmore Sandako and seven-year-old Wayne Tashaya.
Sadly, the children drowned while swimming around 2 p.m. on Monday in the Magamba suburb of Rusape, after slipping away from their mother’s attention.
The siblings drowned in a deep pool of water that had been dug along a seasonal stream by water harvesters.
In an attempt to escape her difficult marriage, Sandako had sold two cattle to fund her fresh start.
Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, the acting spokesperson for the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) in Manicaland, confirmed the tragic incident.
He said that the children were with their four-year-old sibling, Blessed. Wayne drowned first, and when Blessmore attempted to save him, he also tragically drowned. Said Chinyoka:
<blockquote>
Blessed rushed to inform their mother, Ms Sandako. She informed her neighbours and rushed to the stream to retrieve the bodies from the water.
Police were informed and attended the scene. The bodies were conveyed to Rusape General Hospital awaiting post-mortem.
</blockquote>
Blessmore and Wayne were students at Gandidzanwa Primary School in Odzi, where Blessmore was in Grade Four and Wayne was in Grade One.
The two children had left their Odzi homestead with their mother, Talent Sandako, following a bitter fallout with their father, Webster Tashaya, on November 5.
The fallout allegedly occurred after Tashaya caught Sandako with a rival suitor in their marital bedroom.
However, sources close to the couple revealed that Tashaya had often physically abused Sandako without provocation, leading her to eventually leave him.
In a telephone interview with The Manica Post, Tashaya, Wayne’s father, expressed his devastation over the tragic loss of his son, which occurred just two weeks after his separation from Sandako. He said:
<blockquote>
Technically, we are divorced after I caught her with another man in our bedroom on November 5. I wrestled with the man until she assisted him to escape. He left behind a jacket, one shoe, a cap and a cellphone.
We had two kids together, Wayne and Blessed. She had Blessmore, who died together with Wayne, with another man. She is my ex-wife and the mother of my children.
</blockquote>
Tashaya also disputed claims that Sandako had ditched him because of his abusive and violent nature.
Meanwhile, Assistant Inspector Chinyoka urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant about the whereabouts of their children at all times.
He also advised those who cannot swim to avoid entering water bodies to prevent similar tragedies.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

A mom and dad split up in Odzi. Mom took kids to Rusape to escape dad's abuse. Two kids, Blessmore and Wayne, drowned while swimming. Mom tried to save them. Police confirmed the tragedy. Dad caught mom with another man before they split. Dad is sad about losing his son. Mom left because of abuse. Police say to watch kids and avoid water if you can't swim. Tragic reminder to always be safe around water.

Two Children Drown In Rusape Two Weeks After Parents Divorce

Tragedy struck in Zhombe Mission Dam, Kwekwe District, Midlands Province, last Thursday when two schoolchildren drowned while swimming after school.
<img alt="Tragedy strikes as two pupils drown in Zhombe Mission Dam" decoding="async" src="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/10/drowning-in-Zhombe.jpg"/>
Chief Gwesela of Zhombe confirmed the incident, which claimed the lives of Ropafadzo Jim, a Grade 1 student, and Ebenezer Khumalo, a Grade 2 student, both from the nearby St. Martins Deporis Primary School. <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/tragedy-strikes-as-two-pupils-drown-in-zhombe-mission-dam/">Said Chief Gwesela</a>:
<blockquote>
The children were three and on their way home from St Martins Deporis Primary School when they decided to play in the nearby Dam.
One of them was trapped by the mud and started drowning and the second child tried to rescue her friend while the third one rushed to the nearby shops to alert villagers. Upon return, they found the two had already drowned.
All they could see were satchels and other belongings while the children were missing. Upon search by villagers, they managed to retrieve the bodies of the two children who had already died.
</blockquote>
The two children, who were neighbours, have since been laid to rest.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Two schoolchildren drowned in a dam after school in Zhombe, Zimbabwe. The children were playing in the dam on their way home from school. One child got stuck in the mud and started drowning, while the other tried to save them. A third child ran to get help, but when they returned, it was too late. Villagers found the bodies of the two children in the dam. The children were neighbors and have been buried. It was a very sad and tragic accident.

Two Schoolchildren Drown In Zhombe Mission Dam

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has expressed concern over the rising number of drowning incidents across the country.
ZRP spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi on Tuesday, 03 September, said that between June and August 2024, the police recorded 29 drowning cases.
He said these incidents occurred during various activities such as swimming, casting fishing nets, participating in Manjuzu rituals, and bathing. Said Commissioner Nyathi:
<blockquote>
In Domboshava, on 07th July 2024, a drowning incident was reported in which the victim drowned while performing Manjuzu rituals at Garimo River, Chinamhora.
In another drowning incident which occurred on 20th August 2024, at Harzel Dine Farm Dam, Karoi, the victim drowned while casting nets.
Meanwhile, in Kamativi, on 28th August 2024, the victim drowned while swimming in the Chilonga River.
</blockquote>
Commissioner Nyathi urged the public to exercise caution around water bodies as the country approaches the rainy season.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The police in Zimbabwe are worried because more people are drowning. Between June and August 2024, 29 people drowned. Some drowned while swimming, fishing, or doing rituals. One incident happened in Domboshava, another in Harzel Dine Farm Dam, and one more in Kamativi. The police want everyone to be careful near water, especially as it gets rainy. They want you to stay safe and not take risks near rivers or dams.

Victim Drowns During Manjuzu Rituals

A man from Banket, Mashonaland West Province, was acquitted of murder by the High Court after a suspected thief he was chasing jumped into Munene River and drowned.
As reported by <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200029851/cornered-thief-plunges-into-river-dies">NewsDay</a>, Zachariah Baton appeared before Chinhoyi High Court judge Justice Philda Muzofa who convicted him of a lesser charge of assault and sentenced him to a wholly suspended 18 months imprisonment.
The High Court suspended six months on condition of good behaviour and another 12 months on condition he performs 430 hours of community service at Banket Police Station.
The murder charge raised one issue for determination: whether the accused is liable for the death of the deceased, who fled from the accused and jumped into a river and died.
According to court documents, on 20 January 2024, Baton, who was in the company of one other person, apprehended Tawanda Musona, a suspected thief.
The two assailants, using their open palms and switches, physically assaulted Musona before forcibly taking him to the farm office.
However, along the way, Musona managed to break free and flee. The duo gave chase, but when Musona realised they were gaining on him, he decided to jump into the Munene River.
The accused told the court that they waited by the riverside for approximately 10 minutes, but when Musona failed to resurface from the water, they left the scene.
Musona’s body was discovered five days later in a state of decomposition by the river bed.
Baton was subsequently arrested and charged with murder, but he denied the offence saying he only slapped the deceased.
The State produced a post-mortem report with the cause of death indeterminable as the deceased’s body had decomposed.
The two witnesses who gave evidence, including a police officer, confirmed the accused person’s version of events.
The investigating officer testified that the deceased had no injuries when his body was found.
The doctor who conducted the post-mortem could not conclusively tell the cause of death. The post-mortem report showed that most of the deceased’s body parts were swollen due to decomposition, but there were no injuries.
In her ruling, the judge said the deceased, in a bid to escape, ran away from his pursuers, hence he did not want to go where the two would interrogate him and he jumped into the river.
She said the cause of death is not known and the State should establish a causal link between the accused’s act or omission and the death of the accused saying the charge of murder required proof of both the unlawful action and intention to kill.
The State submitted that there was no evidence that the accused inflicted fatal wounds, but stated that the accused person created a situation where the deceased was cornered and was left with no option but to jump into the river.
Baton’s lawyers submitted that the deceased’s conduct in jumping into the river was an intervening act that should absolve the accused, saying the deceased took a conscious risk.
The defence argued that the setting of the scene of the crime was that from the point the deceased was assaulted and fled from the accused, he crossed the Banket-Raffingora road.
The defence pointed out that to the now deceased’s right about 200 metres, there was a police roadblock, and to the left, there was nothing and he could have run towards his left along the road.
But he chose to cross the road and run into Madzingura Farm, where he ran for about 250 metres even though there was adequate room to flee in any other direction except to the river.
The judge said if the deceased was seeking protection, he could have approached the police at the roadblock, but he chose the river. Said the judge:
<blockquote>
There was ample room for the [deceased] to flee in any other direction save for the river. Even though the accused pursued him to about seven metres from the river, it was not reasonable to jump into the river.
He had options to flee in any other direction except the river. There was evidence that the river was full of water and it was known that it had crocodiles.
For an act to constitute an intervening act, there must be a new set of factors that break the link between the accused’s conduct and the result.
</blockquote>
She then acquitted Baton on the charge of murder but found him guilty of assault in contravention of section 89 of the Criminal Law Codification and Reform Act [Chapter 9:23].
The judge said life was lost as a result of high-handedness, adding that they should have taken the deceased to the police officers manning the roadblock.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

A man was accused of chasing a thief who drowned. The man was found guilty of assault, not murder. The thief died after jumping into a river to escape. The court said the man was not responsible for the death. The judge said the thief had other options instead of jumping into the river. The man was acquitted of murder but found guilty of assault. Life was lost because the man didn't take the thief to the police. The cause of death was not clear. The judge said the thief could have gone to the police instead of jumping into the river.

Pursuer Charged With Murder After Fleeing Thief Drowns In River

A motorist lost more than US$17 000 from daily sales to three thieves who snatched a satchel containing the cash at a hiking spot in Bulawayo, last week.
The incident occurred on March 29, 2024, at the intersection of 1st Avenue and Samuel Parirenyatwa Street.
Police said three unidentified male suspects who were touting confronted the victim at a hiking spot and swiftly snatched a pink satchel containing a substantial amount of US$17,775.00 in cash. After committing the theft, the suspects fled the scene. Police said:
<blockquote>
Police in Bulawayo are investigating a case of theft which occurred at the corner of 1st Avenue and Samuel Parirenyatwa Street, Bulawayo on 29/03/24. Three unidentified male suspects, who were touting, confronted the victim at a hiking spot and snatched a pink satchel containing US$17 775.00 being cash from daily sales and ran away. Anyone with information to report at any nearest Police Station.
</blockquote>
In a separate incident, an 18-month-old infant drowned in an uncovered well while the victim’s mother was attending a church service in Tafara, Harare on 30 March.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has urged parents to prioritize their children’s safety, aiming to avert similar occurrences in the future.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Motorist Loses US$18 000 To Touts At Hitchhiking Spot

An eight-year-old boy and his father drowned in a two-metre deep pool in Sanyati, Kadoma on Saturday, 30 December, police have said.
In a statement, police said the boy, Devine Musandipa, was sitting on the edge of the pool when its perimeter collapsed, taking him under the water.
His 12-year-old sister ran to inform their father, Sifiso Bhebhe (43), of the accident. Unfortunately, Bhebhe also drowned in the pool as he tried to save his son. Police said:
<blockquote>
The ZRP reports a sad incident which occurred on 30/12/23 in a bushy area near Sunrise Township, Sanyati, Kadoma in which Devine Musandipa (8) drowned in a pool, approximately two metres deep, after the edge of the pool he was sitting on collapsed.
The victim had been fetching firewood with his sister (12) when they came across the pool. The victim’s father, Sifiso Bhebhe (43) drowned in the same pool whilst trying to rescue his son.
</blockquote>
More than people have reportedly been killed during incidents of adverse weather, while 28 have sustained injuries since the onset of the 2023 season.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Boy (8), Dad Drown In Deep Pool In Sanyati

Two police officers and their four-month-old daughter drowned after their vehicle was swept away as they attempted to cross a flooded river on 17 December.
<a href="https://www.zimlive.com/2-police-officers-and-daughter-killed-driving-across-flooded-river/">ZimLive</a> reported that the incident occurred at Kana River which cuts across the road between Gomoza in Lupane and Kambe in Manoti, Gokwe.
Two other passengers aged 19 and 5 escaped from the Ford Ranger and swam to safety.
Police identified the deceased as Moses Manyongodo, a 35-year-old police constable based at ZRP Lupane Traffic; his wife 30-year-old detective constable Ireen Muzamba and their daughter Hellen Manyongodo.
Manyongodo was reportedly driving towards Kambe Business Centre in Manoti when he found the Kana River flooded. Police:
<blockquote>
He drove the vehicle into the flooded river in an attempt to cross. After getting to the middle of the bridge, the vehicle was swept away by the current for about 45 metres before it got submerged in the water.
The three victims drowned whilst still in the vehicle. Their bodies were ferried to Gokwe South District Hospital mortuary.
</blockquote>
Manyongodo was off duty on the day and his wife was on maternity leave.
Zimbabwe records numerous cases of vehicles being swept away by raging floods at bridges every rainy season.
Some bridges are low-lying, especially, in rural areas, and a slight increase in the river volumes can have catastrophic consequences for motorists.
In some cases, there won’t be alternative routes and as a result, motorists are forced to either cancel their journeys, wait for long periods until the water subsides, or drive across the river risking drowning.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Two Police Officers And Daughter Drown Driving Across Flooded River

Two men and a woman are missing after a canoe boat they were on overturned on Lake Kariba on Friday.
In a post on X, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) said that the incident occurred at Nyaodza Point near Lake Harvest cages. Police said:
<blockquote>
The ZRP is investigating a drowning incident that occurred on 20/10/23 at Nyaodza Point near Lake Harvest cages, Lake Kariba where a canoe boat with four occupants capsized.
One person escaped while three others, two men and a woman, are missing.
</blockquote>
In an unrelated incident, the ZRP said that four people were killed when a mine shaft they were working in collapsed at Murereka also on Friday. Police said:
<blockquote>
The ZRP confirms a mine incident that occurred at Kangela Mine, D Troop area, Chikuti, Murereka on 20/10/23 in which four people were killed when a mine shaft they were working in collapsed.
The bodies were retrieved from the shaft by villagers and were taken to Chinhoyi Provincial Hospital mortuary for post-mortem.
</blockquote>
Mining accidents are common in Zimbabwe due to rampant illegal gold mining, with most of the people involved in gold panning undertaking their activities in unsafe environments.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Three People Missing After Boat Capsizes On Lake Kariba

Two members of the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) were among four people who died on Saturday after their boat sank on Lake Kariba.
ZRP spokesman Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the incident occurred near Tsetse Island, Kariba around 12:30 PM on 16 September 2023.
The four deceased people were identified as follows:
<ul>
<li>Sergeant Tatenda Nekati (36) of the Zimbabwe National Army</li>
<li>Corporal Nxobile Ncube of the Zimbabwe National Army</li>
<li>Trust Phiri (24) of Chilimba Village Negande, Kariba</li>
<li>Adson Mupiringano (40) of Batonga, Kariba</li>
</ul>
Asst Comm Nyathi said the bodies of the victims were retrieved on 17th and 18th September 2023 and were taken to Kariba District mortuary for post-mortem.
He urged members of the public to be safety conscious when using dinghy boats.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Two Soldiers Among Four People Who Drowned In Lake Kariba

Two men from Mutare’s Dangamvura suburb drowned last weekend after diving into Fern Valley Dam trying to rescue a girl who was about to drown during an exorcism ceremony.
According to a report by <a href="https://www.manicapost.co.zw/two-drown-as-exorcism-ceremony-goes-wrong/">The Manica Post</a>, the bodies of Paul Mupukuta (44) and Clifford Mhlanga (68) were retrieved by members of the Zimbabwe Republic Police’s Sub-Aqua Unit last Monday.
ZRP spokesperson in Manicaland Province Inspector Norbert Muzondo said the now-deceased Mupukuta approached a traditional healer, Mbuya Monica Mhlanga of Area 3, Dangamvura, to assist him in finding a solution to a spiritual problem that was allegedly affecting his family.
He said the parties proceeded to Fern Valley Dam for a cleansing ceremony where Mupukuta and Mhlanga eventually drowned.
It is alleged that during the cleansing ceremony, Mbuya Mhlanga who was cleansing Mupukuta’s 15-year-old daughter said she was feeling weak.
When the girl started drowning, her father jumped into the water to assist her while Mhlanga also dived in to rescue his wife.
Gogo Mhlanga and Mupukuta’s daughter survived, while Mupukuta and Mhlanga drowned.
The councillor for the area, Calvin Matsiya, said Fern Valley Dam was established as a recreational reservoir but people were now using it for religious, recreational or fishing purposes without permission from the local authority.
He implored members of the public to seek guidance before they partake in any activities at the dam, including weddings and parties.
However, a self-proclaimed spiritual healer only identified as Banda attributed the drownings to the work of “mermaids”. Said Banda:
<blockquote>
I am a believer in mermaid spirits. I am a worshipper of marine spirits and we should have been given a chance to carry out our rituals to save the lives of the victims before the sub-aqua unit was called.
If we had carried out an overnight vigil at the dam, the two men would have popped out of the water and slept safely on the reeds like the Biblical Moses for us to find them alive and healthy the following day.
A cleansing ritual should be done at the dam as a matter of urgency.
</blockquote>
A local resident who preferred anonymity told The Manica Post that the dam’s aquatic life is under threat from ritualists. Said the resident:
<blockquote>
We have come across people leaving different cloths, jewellery, expensive cutlery and foodstuffs such as meat and sweets.
All these items find their way into the dam. Some pour opaque beer and wine into the dam as offerings, thereby threatening the dam’s aquatic life.
We have told our children to stay away from the dam and not to take anything away from it as they can be baits put there by those who frequent the dam to recruit people into their cults.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Two Men Drown During Exorcism Ceremony

Harare East Member of Parliament, Tendai Biti (CCC), has blamed Donnybrook Racecourse owners for the death of two girls from Manresa who drowned in a disused quarry pit on Sunday.
Biti, who is the MP for the area, said the owners of the racecourse should be held to account for the deaths of Tafara Masamba (15) and her cousin-sister Blessing Munemo (12) who drowned while swimming. Bit said:
Two children from Harare East Constituency have unnecessarily lost their lives. We mourn with the parents &amp; relatives from this avoidable tragedy. Donnybrook must however be held to account.
Donnybrook Racecourse is one of the major car racing joints in Harare.
Catherine Masango, a family member, told <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/biti-demands-accountability-after-two-girls-drown-in-donnybrook-disused-pit/">NewZimbabwe.com</a> that the two cousin-sisters left their home saying they were attending a car racing event. Said Masango:
<blockquote>
They left the house saying they were going to church but later came back saying there was no church.
Together with other children from the neighbourhood they left and went to Donnybrook. We later heard that they had drowned.
The children who were at the scene said Tafara tried to rescue Blessing who was stuck in the mud but they later drowned together.
</blockquote>
Mourners who spoke to NewZimbabwe.com on Tuesday at the funeral wake blamed the owners of Donnybrook Racecourse for failing to erect a perimeter fence around the pit.
A caretaker at the car racing course said a perimeter fence was erected but was later vandalised.
<a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/">NewZimbabwe.com</a> reported that when they visited the area where the two drowned there were no signs of a security fence having been previously erected.

Donnybrook Must Be Held To Account For Drowning Of Two Girls In Disused Pit - Biti

Three boys from the Mpofu family in Fallow Fields Resettlement Plot 40, Gweru drowned in the Musango River while swimming on Saturday afternoon.
The three boys are Tatenda Marega (13), Abel Mpofu (10) and Mulamuli Mpofu (8). All were learners at Rowview Primary School.
The two Mpofu brothers were buried at the Mpofu homestead on Monday, while Marega was buried in Gweru.
Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesperson in Midlands Province, Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko confirmed the incident to <a href="https://masvingomirror.com/3-shurugwi-minors-drown-while-swimming/">The Mirror</a>.
He urged parents and guardians to desist from leaving juveniles and the vulnerable unattended.
The deceased’s uncle, Peter Mangare told the publication that the three boys left home in the company of other boys to bath in Musango River at 4 PM. Said Mangare:
<blockquote>
The deceased are my daughter’s kids and I am the one who retrieved them from the river after a group of villagers failed to.
They departed home going for bathing and after an hour the other three minors who were not able to enter the river came back home saying that their brothers jumped into the river but did not return.
Villagers searched but they did not get anyone.
We spent the whole night searching only to get the bodies the following morning.
The river is not even deep but it’s only that they failed to swim.
One of the deceased already had his lower lip and his private parts eaten by a crab.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Three Shurugwi Minors Drown While Swimming In Musango River

Two minors, both two years old, died from water burns and drowning in separate incidents on Thursday in <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Lupane">Lupane</a> and Gwelutshena.
In the first incident, a Lupane minor died from burns sustained after a five-year-old child attempted to remove a bucket of hot water from the stove.
Police confirmed the sad incident via their social media communication channels. Read a police statement seen by Pindula News:
<blockquote>
The ZRP urges parents and guardians to always ensure the safety and security of children. On 23/02/23, a two-year-old minor succumbed to hot water burns which he incurred from an accident that happened at Sibangani Village 2 in Lupane when another child (5) tried to remove a tin of boiling water from the stove. The mother of the children (37) had left the children alone and went to the garden.
</blockquote>
In another case that happened the same day, a two-year-old minor drowned in a shallow well. Police reported:
<blockquote>
In another case on 23/02/23 another two-year-old minor drowned in a shallow well at Wakufa Village, Gwelutshena whilst playing alone. The mother of the child (29) later checked for the child only to find the child’s lifeless body submerged in water and legs stuck in the mud.
</blockquote>
Following the incidents, police urged “parents and guardians to always ensure the safety and security of children”.
<h2><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

Two Minors Die From Water Burns, Drowning

A 63-year-old man and his donkey cart were washed away by a flooded river in Matobo District, Matabeleland South Province.
The deceased, Nhlanganiso Tshuma, a villager under Chief Fuyana was in the company of two other men when the incident occurred on Thursday.
Tshuma and his donkey-drawn scotch cart were swept away by strong currents as he attempted to cross the Mabonyane River near Maphisa Growth Point.
His body was found the following day about 5km from the bridge by the riverside.
A video of Tshuma being swept away is circulating on social media.
Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesperson in Matabeleland South Province, Inspector Loveness Mangena, confirmed the incident to <a href="https://www.sundaynews.co.zw/rivers-in-flood-man-63-plus-donkeys-yoked-to-cart-swept-away/">The Sunday News</a>. She said:
<blockquote>
The incident happened on Thursday as the now deceased attempted to cross a river in flood and when he was halfway through, he was overpowered by the water and swept away.
</blockquote>
Tshuma was reportedly coming from Maphisa Growth Point on his way home.

Man (63), Plus Cart Drawn By Donkeys Swept Away By Flooded River

South African police divers are searching for a teenager from Zimbabwe who was swept over the sea wall of a tidal pool on Christmas Day in Gqeberha.
The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) on Monday said it sent a rescue craft just after 5 PM after receiving reports about the incident at Seaview Resorts tidal pool, Beach View. NSRI deputy station commander Jonathan Tufts said:
<blockquote>
On arrival on the scene, an extensive search commenced for a 14-year-old male, from Zimbabwe, who had been swept over the tidal pool wall while swimming.
Despite the extensive search, there remains no sign of the teenager. Police divers are continuing the search.
… A number of Chokka fishing vessels close inshore near to the area kept a watch.
</blockquote>
| <a href="https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2022-12-26-police-divers-search-for-teenager-swept-over-tidal-pool-wall-at-resort/">TimesLive</a>

Zimbabwean Teenager Swept Out To Sea On Christmas Day

Three children aged between 9 and 15 drowned in a water-logged pit left open by sand poachers in Mayambara Village in Seke on Tuesday.
The deceased children were identified as Blessing Ndhlala, 15, a Form 2 student, Stephen Masaure, 12, (Grade 6) and Queentine Madamombe, 9, (Grade 3).
They were in the company of their grandmother, Mavis Nzara, 68, when they drowned.
Gogo Mavis told H-Metro that they were looking for firewood near the Hunyani River when the incident occurred. She said:
<blockquote>
We were looking for firewood along the river bank when the children went to the pit.
Pavandisiya ndafunga kuti varikunotsvaga makavi. One of them shouted for help, and when I rushed there, I found them struggling, and I tried in vain to rescue them.
I don’t know why they never went swimming in the shallow water. They just went into the pit for a reason I do not know.
</blockquote>
After Gogo Mavis raised the alarm, scores of Mayambara villagers rushed to the open pit, but it was too late as the three students had already drowned. | <a href="https://www.hmetro.co.zw/three-teens-drown-in-flooded-open-pit/">H-Metro</a>

Three Children Drown In Open Pit In Mayambara Village

An 18-year-old Form Five pupil at First Class Academy drowned in a private swimming pool in Fairbridge Park last weekend.
Parson Kupakwashe Msekiwa (18) of Chikanga Two drowned around 4 PM on Saturday at a private party they were having with his friends in Fairbridge Park.
The teenager was pronounced dead on admission at Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital.
Acting Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka confirmed the death. He said:
<blockquote>
The deceased and his friends were swimming when he dived into the deep end of the swimming pool.
He failed to swim and when his friends noticed it, they pulled him out of the pool.
After being rescued from the pool, he started having difficulties breathing as he lay beside the pool.
He started vomiting water and was rushed to Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital. Msekiwa died upon admission at the hospital.
</blockquote>
The matter was reported at Mutare Central Police Station.
Asst Insp Chinyoka said a post-mortem revealed that Msekiwa died due to drowning and that there was no foul play suspected. He added:
<blockquote>
We are urging the public to always have someone experienced at their swimming pools so that they will be readily available to rescue and offer the necessary help to those who will be swimming and might need help.
</blockquote>
| <a href="https://www.manicapost.co.zw/tragic-end-to-birthday-party/">The Manica Post</a>

Form Five Learner Drowns At Birthday Party

About 15 church members were reportedly swept away by flash floods in Johannesburg, South Africa on Saturday while conducting a baptism ritual.
They were conducting a baptism ritual in the Jukskei River and were caught in a flash flood following heavy rains in the Bramley Park area, <a href="https://www.enca.com/news/least-two-dead-15-missing-after-flash-floods-wash-away-church-group">eNCA News</a> reported citing Johannesburg Emergency Services. 
Johannesburg EMS spokesperson, Robert Mulaudzi, said at least two people have drowned. He also said search-and-rescue operations continue on Sunday (today). He said:
<blockquote>
We immediately activated operations along that river stream up until 10 pm on Saturday night.
We will be resuming on Sunday morning to continue with our search looking for the 15 other people who are alleged to be missing.
Of course they might have run while the storm came through so we will also activate the services of the local pastor to try and remove any uncertainty about their whereabouts.
</blockquote>
Part of Grayston Drive was closed on Saturday as emergency medical services scoured the area for survivors and more bodies, according to <a href="https://www.citizen.co.za/news/bodies-pulled-from-jukskei-river-after-flash-floods-in-joburg/">The Citizen</a>.
At least 20 bodies had been pulled from the river early on Saturday evening, The Citizen reported citing a Private Security company, Vision Tactical.
It is believed that some of the victims were children.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

About 15 Church Members Swept Away By Flash Floods While Conducting Baptism

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has implored the public to cover unprotected water bodies to avoid loss of life after a one year-six months old child recently drowned in a well while trying to get water to drink.
The incident occurred on 28 October 2022 at Mutamba Village under Chief Marozva, Masvingo.
ZRP spokesperson in Masvingo Province, Kudakwashe Dhewa confirmed the incident.
He said the toddler, Trevor Chakadenga, drowned after he strayed from his mother Rudo Mhere (29) who was tilling a piece of land.
<a href="https://masvingomirror.com/toddler-drowns-in-a-well/">The Mirror</a> reported sources as saying Trevor was playing in a field where his mother was preparing land for the Pfumvudza farming programme close to a hill.
The boy allegedly wandered off from the hill and drowned in a well as he tried to drink water.
After the mother realised that her child was missing, she searched for him around the field only to find his lifeless body floating in the well.
She retrieved the body and reported the matter to the police. A post-mortem was waived by Bikita Resident Magistrate Mugabe.

Toddler Drowns In An Uncovered Well

A male Harare Polytechnic student, Tinotenda Madembo (29) from the Department of Commerce, drowned in a swimming pool in Victoria Falls on Wednesday night.
Madembo was among the students who attended the Youth Forum Startup Olympiad competition in Victoria Falls.
The competition was sponsored by the Association of Technical Universities and Polytechnics in Africa (ATUPA).
Harare Polytechnic principal, Engineer Tafadzwa Mudondo, who was also attending the event, confirmed the death of the student to <a href="https://www.hmetro.co.zw/poly-student-drowns-in-victoria-falls-pool/">H-Metro</a>. He said:
<blockquote>
It was a devastating and shocking development. It was not expected, but I can confirm that it did happen.
I cannot give you details at the moment because the police are still looking into this matter.
</blockquote>
One of the students, who witnessed the drowning, said Madembo died despite frantic efforts to resuscitate him. Said the student:
<blockquote>
He went swimming within the facilities where we were staying and drowned.
Efforts were made to resuscitate him, but it was all in vain.
The incident occurred around 8 pm and family members have been notified.
</blockquote>
H-Metro reported another source as saying the student drowned in the pool at Rest Camp where the students were camping. Said the source:
<blockquote>
It is alleged that students were preparing to host a mini party, for one of the Kenyan participants, who had bought a cake to celebrate with his new friends.
It is not yet clear how the drowning actually happened since none of the students was comfortable talking about it.
One of the students discovered the lifeless body of Madembo at the shallow end of the pool.
First aid was applied to him when an ambulance was on its way.
After some time, when he had been rushed to the hospital, he was pronounced dead.
</blockquote>

Harare Polytechnic Student Drowns In Victoria Falls

A 12-year-old boy tragically lost his life by drowning while swimming in a pool in Warren Park on Tuesday.
Warren Park residents said the boy’s death was the second drowning in six months.
The boy, Yusof Chikepe, a Grade 7 pupil, was in the company of four other pupils when he drowned.
Family spokesperson, Nyembesi Chikepe, said the family lost a talented boy who was brilliant in school. She said:
<blockquote>
We have lost a brilliant boy. He had a love for agriculture and was brilliant in school.
</blockquote>
Residents who came to the scene of the tragedy appealed to the Harare City Council to close the pits. Said one resident:
<blockquote>
We have been calling for the closing of the pits for some time but it has all been in vain.
We are losing young lives in circumstances that can be avoided.
This is the second incident within six months and it’s so disheartening.
We monitor our children asi vana vanonzvenga voenda ikoko (but the kids slip away and go to the pool).
</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.hmetro.co.zw/schoolboy-drowns-at-warren-hills/">H-Metro</a></h4>

Boy (12) Drowns In Warren Park's "Pool Of Death"

Two villagers died on Monday while trying to rescue a goat that had fallen into a 23-meter deep well in Dundubala village in Insuza.
Themba Nyathi (48), of Dundubala and Mabutho Sibanda (36), of Makhondo in Nyamandlovu, drowned in the well at around 11 AM and 3 PM, respectively.
Nyathi was a caretaker at Lucky Khumalo’s homestead, where the tragic incident took place.
Villagers believe the duo suffocated because of low oxygen possibly due to toxic gasses in the well, before the eventual drowning.
Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesperson in Matabeleland North Inspector Gloria Banda said:
<blockquote>
Nyathi arrived home from the fields and found a piece of zinc sheet that was used to cover the well missing. He suspected that there might be a goat that fell inside the well.
With the help of his son, they prepared some ropes and hooks to fish out the zinc and the goat.
During the process, two other villagers arrived and Nyathi was lowered down the well using the rope.
</blockquote>
Inspector Banda said moments later, Nyathi was heard breathing with difficulties and other villagers were summoned.
A villager, Mabutho Sibanda, who said he had the experience of working in local gold mines, volunteered to get into the well. Added Banda:
<blockquote>
Sibanda was also lowered down with a chain. Whilst inside the well, he became free of the chain and there was no communication from him.
</blockquote>
Police officers were called to attend the scene and they advised the villagers to return home and leave the neighbourhood watch to guard the scene until the next morning.
The police sub-aqua unit was called from Bulawayo and managed to retrieve the bodies of the two men and the carcass of the goat from the well at 9 AM on Tuesday.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.zimlive.com/2022/03/15/2-men-drown-saving-goat-from-23-meter-deep-well-police/">ZimLive</a></h4>

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