marble nkomo
Fairness Moyana in Hwange
POLICE in Matabeleland North Province have raised serious concern over a spike in drowning cases since the onset of the rainy season as the country continues to receive heavy rains which has seen many rivers being flooded.
The country has experienced prolonged downpours that have disrupted transport, isolated communities and increased the danger of drowning as people attempt to cross flooded rivers.
Last week, nine people, including a newborn baby, died after a vehicle was swept off a low-lying bridge by the flooded Tshangamutope River in Mulula, Insiza District.
Matabeleland North provincial police spokesperson Inspector Glory Banda said several lives have already been lost in what he described as largely preventable incidents, most of them linked to attempts to cross flooded rivers.
“From the onset of the rainy season, we have received several cases of drowning. A fatal incident occurred on December 26 last year when four people attempted to cross a flooded river using a donkey-drawn cart.
“The cart was swept away by strong currents, resulting in the death of one passenger, while the other three managed to escape,” said Insp Banda.
In another incident reported in Tsholotsho, a nine-year-old child drowned while attempting to swim across a river.
Police also recorded the death of a 35-year-old man who ignored repeated warnings from his uncle and attempted to cross a flooded river to visit a relative.
“He was advised not to cross but he ignored the advice. He unfortunately drowned,” Insp Banda said.
The incidents reflect a recurring rainy-season challenge in many rural parts of the province where people, including schoolchildren, cross rivers everyday.
Heavy rainfall has caused several rivers to burst their banks, turning familiar crossing points into deadly traps, particularly for pedestrians and motorists.
Insp Banda said police were intensifying public awareness campaigns against crossing flooded rivers.
“We are humbly requesting our citizens to take these messages seriously as we raise awareness about the dangers of crossing flooded rivers. We can avoid these incidents of drowning. Do not be part of the statistics — we need your life in 2026,” he said.
Insp Banda urged community members to share safety messages with relatives, neighbours and colleagues, stressing that collective responsibility can help save lives.
He warned people against drinking and driving or attempting to cross flooded rivers saying that alcohol impairs judgment and increases risky behaviour.
“Schoolchildren should not cross flooded rivers when going or coming back from school,” said Insp Banda.
He also warned even good swimmers not to attempt to cross flooded rivers.
“Do not say, ‘I am a good swimmer, I can cross a flooded river. Its better to be late than never,” Insp Banda added.
Motorists were also advised to avoid crossing flooded rivers or driving through water-logged roads, even when pressed for time as this endangers both drivers and passengers.
Insp Banda said when its raining roads are slippery and as such motorists should exercise extreme caution.
“Parents and guardians are urged to closely monitor children and prevent them from playing near rivers, dams and other water bodies,” he said.
Insp Banda also called for strict supervision around swimming pools and encouraged the use of life jackets where necessary.
Online Reporter