Boy swept away by flooded river while holding cow tail

Samuel Kadungure
Post Reporter
TRAGEDY struck Tsanzaguru area after three children attempted to cross a flooded river by holding on to a cow’s tail, resulting in one of them being swept away, it has been established.
The tragedy, which occurred on Tuesday afternoon prompted the Macheke Sub-Catchment to close the Rusape Dam gates to reduce flood levels and allow search efforts.
The dam is currently 90 percent full.
In a statement released today, the sub-catchment manager, Mr Jonathan Mazani said: “We closed our flood gates yesterday before midday after an unfortunate incident downstream within Rockingstone Farm, along the Rusape River downstream of the dam. Three children tried to cross the flooded river while holding on to a cow. One was swept away, another was marooned in the middle of the river, and the third managed to cross and raised the alarm. The word reached us in time, and the stranded boy reached safety after the water level had lowered. The gates will remain closed as the search continues. We apologise for the unfortunate tragedy and the inconvenience caused.”