adminWalter Mswazie Masvingo Correspondent
TEN people from Tafirenyika and Gudza villages under Chief Chitsa in Gutu were marooned for four hours while fishing at Ruti Dam spillway following heavy rains that pounded the area, police confirmed yesterday.
Masvingo police spokesperson Chief Inspector Peter Zhanero said Zimbabwe National Army and Airforce of Zimbabwe rescue teams had to intervene by airlifting the group to safety on Sunday at around 10AM.
“I confirm receiving a report to the effect that ten villagers from Gutu were marooned while catching fish falling from Ruti Dam spillway. The villagers have since been rescued,” he said.
“They were airlifted to safety by a helicopter from the Airforce of Zimbabwe and everyone is safe as we speak.”
Chief Insp Zhanero said on the fateful day, two villagers from Tafirenyika, Bhasera and eight from Gudza Village were at Ruti Dam picking fish falling from the dam spillway.
While in the process of picking fish, there was a sudden voluminous spillage from the dam as a result of heavy rains in the Chivhu area.
This resulted in villagers being marooned, forcing them to climb trees behind the dam’s spillway for safety.
Chief Insp Zhanero said the villagers were marooned up to 2PM until a report was made at Bhasera Police Station who called Masvingo provincial operations who coordinated teams from ZNA and Airforce of Zimbabwe.
“The army brought a helicopter and the villagers were safely airlifted. All the ten villagers were rescued and they are safe,” he said.
Meanwhile, police have warned members of the public against catching fish at flooded water bodies.
“We appeal to members of the public not to catch fish at flooded water bodies. They should also accompany their children to and from school ensuring that they do not cross flooded rivers,” said Chief Supt Zhanero.
Online Reporter