Sidumisile Mabena
Fairness Moyana
A MAN from Hwange is feared dead after his vehicle was swept away while attempting to cross the flooded Deka River on Thursday, as heavy rains continue to wreak havoc across parts of the country.
Police have confirmed the incident and deployed a sub-aqua search and rescue team from Fairbridge in Bulawayo to assist in locating the missing driver, whose identity has not yet been established.
The search team has since located the submerged vehicle, a Nissan Probox, but no trace of the driver has been found inside. Police said it remains unclear whether the man was travelling alone or had passengers at the time of the incident.
The vehicle is believed to operate along the Hwange–Msuna route and may have been carrying passengers, although investigations are still ongoing to establish the exact circumstances leading to the incident.
Confirming the development on Monday, Matabeleland North provincial police spokesperson Inspector Glory Banda said coordinated efforts were underway to recover the missing person.
“The sub-aqua team is currently on the ground searching for the missing driver, who is believed to be in his late 30s. Several members of the local community have also joined the search efforts,” said Insp Banda.
The incident comes amid widespread flooding in Hwange District, where persistent heavy rains have caused rivers to burst their banks, rendering several crossings impassable and roads dangerous.
Authorities have repeatedly warned motorists and pedestrians against attempting to cross flooded rivers and low-lying bridges, noting that fast-moving water can easily overwhelm vehicles and lead to loss of life.
The latest tragedy adds to a growing number of rain-related fatalities recorded during the current rainy season, with several people across the country having been swept away while attempting to cross swollen rivers.
Police and the Civil Protection Unit have urged the public to heed weather advisories and delay travel where conditions are unsafe, as rescue operations remain difficult during periods of high water flow.
More details to follow…
Online Reporter