Online Reporter
Fairness Moyana, [email protected]
A 31-YEAR-OLD Hwange man whose vehicle was swept away while attempting to cross the flooded Deka River is still missing six days after the incident, amid mounting concern over a surge in drowning cases linked to swollen rivers during the rainy season.
Police have identified the missing man as Washington Ncube of 14 Sunhill, Railways suburb in Hwange.
The incident occurred last Thursday at around 8PM, at the height of persistent rains that have caused rivers across the country to burst their banks, leaving several communities vulnerable and transport routes severely disrupted.
According to police, Ncube, who was operating a pirate taxi, had been hired by Ndumiso Moyo from the Hwange bus terminus to Mashala area. After safely dropping off his passenger, he began his return journey towards Hwange, unaware that the conditions at Deka River had worsened dramatically due to continuous rainfall.
On reaching the river, which was heavily flooded and flowing with considerable force, Ncube attempted to cross. His Nissan AD Van was quickly overwhelmed by the surge, swept off the low lying crossing point and carried downstream by the powerful current. Witnesses from nearby settlements reported seeing the vehicle disappear beneath fast moving waters within seconds.
Ncube’s wife, Ms Cotrida Nyoni, reported him missing the following morning, prompting a frantic search effort involving relatives, local villagers and community leaders. Search parties combed the riverbanks, but dangerous water levels and muddy terrain made the operation extremely difficult.
Three days later, community members discovered the submerged vehicle approximately 500 metres downstream from Deka Bridge, where it lay partly covered by debris and silt about 30 metres from the riverbank. The state of the wreckage highlighted the sheer force of the floodwaters that swept it away.
Police attended the scene and advised relatives and residents against attempting to retrieve the vehicle or search the waters themselves, warning that the river remained too treacherous and unpredictable for untrained individuals.
A ZRP Fairbridge Sub Aqua Unit, supported by the Shockwave Rafting Team from Victoria Falls, was deployed to conduct an extensive underwater search covering roughly four kilometres downstream.
Despite the advanced expertise and equipment brought in for the mission, Ncube was not located, deepening concern among family members and the community.
Matabeleland North provincial police spokesperson Inspector Glory Banda confirmed the incident, saying it forms part of a troubling rise in drowning cases reported during the rainy season.
“This incident is part of a growing trend where people lose their lives after attempting to cross flooded rivers,” said Insp Banda.
He urged the public to treat flooded waterways with extreme caution.
“Members of the public are urged not to underestimate the power of fast-flowing water. Even experienced drivers and strong swimmers can be swept away within seconds.”
Authorities say the rainy season traditionally records a spike in drowning incidents, especially in rural and mining areas where bridges are low lying or absent altogether. This forces motorists and pedestrians to risk dangerous crossings, often underestimating water depth, speed and the hidden hazards beneath the surface.
The Civil Protection Unit (CPU) and the police have repeatedly warned communities that water levels can rise rapidly, even without local rainfall, due to upstream flood surges — making rivers unpredictable and deceptively dangerous.
“In most cases, victims misjudge the depth and speed of the water. Once a vehicle is caught, escape becomes almost impossible,” said Insp Banda.
He added that search efforts and investigations are continuing, while urging motorists and pedestrians to avoid crossing flooded rivers until water levels recede to safe levels.
