Online Reporter
Freedom Mupanedemo, Midlands Bureau
ONE person died while another one is missing after a Toyota Hilux they were travelling in was swept away as they tried to cross a flooded river along the Gokwe-Nkayi Road.
Midlands Provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko, confirmed the tragic incident.
He said the incident occurred on March 1, 2026 at around 3am when Vital Tandanyika Pfumvuti (25) attempted to cross the flooded Mfudula River Bridge in his Toyota Hilux.
“Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms a fatal road traffic incident where one person died on spot after his motor vehicle was swept away in a flooded river.
“The incident occurred on March 1 around 3am at the 1km peg along Kwekwe-Nkayi Road towards Loreto Business Centre,” he said.
Insp Mahoko said Pfumvuti, who was driving with three passengers, tragically died while trapped in the vehicle.
He added that two passengers managed to escape with minor injuries, while one passenger remains unaccounted for, and is suspected to have been swept away.
“It is alleged, Pfumvuti of Sisk Jena Mine Compound, Silobela was driving a Toyota Hilux motor vehicle along Kwekwe-Nkayi Road towards Loreto Business Centre. He had three passengers on board. Upon reaching the 1km peg, he attempted to cross a flooded Mfudula River Bridge with his motor vehicle.
“The vehicle was swept away. Pfumvuti died whilst trapped in the vehicle. Two passengers escaped with minor injuries whilst one passenger was not located and is suspected to have been swept away by the river, as well,” he said.
Insp Mahoko said searches are being conducted by the police Sub Aqua unit.
“We are appealing to motorists not to risk lives by crossing flooded rivers, instead, they should wait for the water to subside before crossing,” he said.
