adminLynnia Ndlovu Sunday News Reporter
A GWANDA man, suspected to have been under the influence of alcohol, drowned at Mopani Dam on the outskirts of the town while taking a bath. Xolisani Jamela (41) of Mopani area was reportedly seen drinking beer for the greater part of Wednesday morning before he allegedly went to the dam for a bath. Matabeleland South police spokesperson Sergeant Thabani Mkwananzi confirmed the incident.
“The incident took place at around 12pm at Mopani Dam. The deceased, Xolani Jamela of Mopani area was bathing in the dam when he slipped and drowned. His body was retrieved the following day by our Sub-Aqua Unit and taken to Gwanda Provincial Hospital for a post-mortem,” said Sgt Mkwananzi.
The police appealed to members of the public to desist from spending time near water bodies as they had proven to be dangerous.
“These water bodies kill mostly those people who are used to them. Rarely do strangers drown in these water bodies but those who live in the vicinity regardless of whether they can swim or not. We therefore appeal to members of the public to desist from spending time near water bodies. They are a death trap,” he said.
The incident came soon after two other Gwanda men drowned after one of them jumped into Hokayi Dam in West Nicholson to retrieve a kudu which was drowning, only for his colleague to also meet his death as he tried to rescue him. The incident happened two weeks ago at Johnsley resettlement area.
Online Reporter