Online Reporter
Tendai Gukutikwa
Mutare Bureau
A TWO-YEAR-OLD child drowned after being swept away by strong currents when her mother slipped while crossing the flooded Pungwe River in Honde Valley.
Acting Manicaland police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, confirmed the incident.
He identified the deceased as Sarah Matepo (2) and said the tragic incident occurred on April 22 at around 6am at Buwu Village under Chief Mutasa.
“I confirm a sudden death by drowning case in which a two-year-old infant lost her life after being swept away while crossing Pungwe River with her mother,” said Ass Insp Chinyoka.The child’s mother, Cynthia Nyamunhuwa (27), was trying to cross the river on her way to Marimbita Village.
She was carrying the toddler on her back, secured with a wrapper.
“As she crossed the river, she stepped on a slippery rock and lost balance, causing both mother and child to fall into the water,” said Ass Insp Chinyoka.
The pair were immediately swept away by the fast-moving current.
Ass Insp Chinyoka said while in the water, the wrapper carrying the child became untied.
“The mother was eventually thrown to the edge of the river by the current, but she could not locate the child,” he said.
In a state of panic, Nyamunhuwa made her way to nearby Marimbita Village where she alerted residents.
Villagers quickly mobilised a rescue effort and contacted workers at the nearby Pungwe B Hydro Electric Power Station, requesting them to temporarily shut the outlet valves of the hydro turbines to reduce the water flow.
A search party was then launched along the riverbanks.
After an intensive search, villagers discovered the body of the child lying lifeless on the edge of the river.
Police officers from ZRP Ruda attended the scene.
Ass Insp Chinyoka said preliminary observations noted visible injuries on the child’s body.
“There were bruises on the head, left cheek and a small cut near the right eye,” he said.
The body was taken to Hauna District Hospital mortuary for post-mortem, while investigations into the incident are continuing.
Ass Insp Chinyoka expressed concern over the continued loss of life at rivers and water bodies, especially during periods when water levels remain high and currents unpredictable.
“This is a heartbreaking incident that could have been avoided. We continue to urge members of the public to exercise extreme caution when crossing rivers, particularly while carrying children or heavy loads,” he said.
He warned communities against attempting to cross swollen rivers on foot, saying hidden rocks, slippery surfaces and sudden currents posed serious danger.
“People should wait for water levels to subside or use safer designated crossing points where available. No journey is worth risking human life,” said Ass Insp Chinyoka.
Mathew Masinge