Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo
THE Bulawayo Fire Brigade yesterday retrieved the body of a man who is believed to have drowned at Hillside Dams during what is suspected to have been a religious ceremony.
The deceased has been identified as Hopulang Dube, believed to be in his 30s, and a member of a local church.
Dube reportedly drowned at around 9am after ‘spiritual’ screams were heard by Hillside Conservancy employee, Mr Mpilo Sibindi, who alerted the emergency services.
“I heard someone screaming incoherently as if in a trance. That was just before 10am, and I rushed over. Initially, I thought it was an intruder outside the water,” said Mr Sibindi.
“When I arrived, I couldn’t see anyone at first, but I noticed something in the water.”
Bulawayo Chief Fire Officer, Mr Mhlangano Moyo, confirmed the recovery operation and the death of Mr Dube, who was found wearing religious garments, including short black-and-white pair of trousers.
“We were called mid-morning following reports of a drowning at Hillside Dams. Our team retrieved the body of a man in his 30s,” said Mr Moyo.
“At the scene, we found burning candles, a satchel, and a wooden stick floating in the stream.”
He urged members of the public to exercise caution when conducting religious activities near water bodies and advised that individuals should inform their families when embarking on solo spiritual journeys.
“Our appeal to the Christian community is to take extra precautions during religious ceremonies, especially those involving water such as baptisms,” he said.
Acting Bulawayo police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Nomalanga Msebele, confirmed the sudden death and appealed to members of the public with relevant information to contact their nearest police station.
