37 die in Midlands rain-related incidents

Commissioner Patson Nyabadza

A TOTAL of 37 people have died in the Midlands Province due to drowning and other rain-related incidents since the start of the 2025/26 rainy season, more than double the 17 recorded during the same period last year.

The officer commanding police, Midlands Province, Commissioner Patson Nyabadza, has warned members of the public to exercise caution as heavy rains continue to pound the province.

Addressing the media, Comm Nyabadza said the 37 sudden deaths were linked to drowning in water bodies, lightning strikes and accidents.

“We recorded at least 37 deaths in the Midlands Province due to drowning in flooded rivers, wells, open pits and several emergencies like lightning and accidents caused by the poor state of roads since the start of the 2025/2026 rainy season. Last season, we recorded 17 deaths,” he said.

The rainy season, which runs from November to April, has seen water levels in rivers rising sharply, creating dangerous conditions for communities, particularly those who attempt to cross flooded rivers or engage in outdoor activities during heavy downpours.

Kwekwe District recorded the highest number of deaths at 18, followed by Zvishavane with 12. Gweru Rural recorded five deaths, while Gokwe recorded two.

Comm Nyabadza said police were concerned about the escalating fatalities, stressing that protecting life and property is part of their constitutional mandate.

“There are high prospects of good harvests this year due to the abundant rainfall. But sadly, we have encountered unfortunate incidents of loss of lives, property and livestock as the rainy season progresses,” he said.

Among the major incidents recorded was the death of seven artisanal miners, who were trapped after a shaft they were working in at Base Mineral Block Mine in Silobela flooded during heavy rains on November 5, last year.

Five people were also swept away while attempting to cross the flooded Sebakwe River aboard an ox-drawn scotch cart.

In another incident, six people were marooned while fishing along the Mwenezi River under Chief Chingoma in Mberengwa in January after water levels suddenly rose. They were rescued two days later by the police sub-aqua unit with assistance from an Air Force of Zimbabwe helicopter.

Comm Nyabadza said heavy rains have also damaged infrastructure, including the displacement of bridges and destruction of roads, particularly in rural communal areas.

He urged the public to take precautionary measures, including avoiding crossing flooded rivers or streams and refraining from driving across submerged bridges.

Children, Comm Nyabadza said, should be closely supervised and not allowed to swim in small dams and streams.

“Always stay updated on weather forecasts, flood warnings and updates from the Meteorological Department,” he said.

Comm Nyabadza also urged motorists to avoid drinking and driving, overloading vehicles and speeding.
“Drivers should consider the road environment, prevailing circumstances and speed limits. Let us use only roadworthy vehicles certified by the Vehicle Inspection Department,” he said.