Online Reporter
Rutendo Nyeve, Victoria Falls Reporter
TWO young men drowned on Sunday after their boat capsized at the Bubi-Lupane Dam in Matabeleland North province
The victims have been identified as Joseph Masvora (24) who was a police officer, and Brian Thulani Ngwenya (26), a council employee and a recent graduate of Lupane State University.
National Police Spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi, confirmed the incident in an interview with Zimpapers and said investigations are ongoing to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
“We can confirm that two men drowned at Bubi-Lupane Dam after their boat capsized. The Zimbabwe Republic Police’s Sub-Aqua Unit has been dispatched to assist in retrieving the remaining body,” said Commissioner Nyathi.
Lupane District Development Co-ordinator (DDC), Mrs Ennety Sithole, said Ngwenya’s body had been recovered after being washed ashore by the waves.
However, as of yesterday, Masvora’s body was still to be retrieved with the ZRP Sub-Aqua Unit yet to arrive at the scene.
“The community is in deep mourning. We urge the public to remain patient as authorities work to retrieve the second body,” said Mrs Sithole.
Locals revealed that the two men were on a leisure retreat when they allegedly removed their clothes and boarded the council-owned boat.
Their clothes were later found neatly placed on the riverbank, sparking confusion and speculation. Pictures of the recovered clothes have since circulated on local WhatsApp groups, with many questioning why the men would have undressed before boarding the boat.
Some theories suggest they may have been swimming before the incident, while others speculate a possible misadventure.
Ngwenya, a recent Urban Planning graduate from Lupane State University, was described as a devout member of the Brethren in Christ Church.
“Brian was a humble and hard-working young man. His death is a huge loss to Lupane,” said a church elder who requested anonymity.
As news of the tragedy spread, grief-stricken family members and friends gathered at the dam, with some breaking down in tears as they awaited the recovery of Masvora’s body.
Local leaders have called for calm and urged residents to avoid speculation until investigations are concluded.
The incident has also prompted calls for stricter safety measures around water bodies, particularly concerning the use of council boats.
“We urge members of the public to exercise extreme caution when using boats and to avoid unnecessary risks,” said Mrs Sithole.
As the nation mourns the loss of two young lives, questions remain over the mysterious circumstances of their final moments.
