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Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, Chronicle Reporter
POLICE in Matabeleland South Province have rolled out a campaign targeted at reducing cases of drowning which are normally on the increase during the rainy season.
The province which is largely rural, records an increase in drowning cases during the rainy season, with some of the cases occurring when motorists and pedestrians attempt to cross flooded rivers.
Other cases are recorded when people are swimming and fishing.
In an interview, Matabeleland South provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Loveness Mangena said officers have been deployed throughout the province to educate communities under the campaign which started last month.
“We have rolled out campaigns throughout the province which seek to address cases of drowning which increase during the rainy season.
Matabeleland South is largely a rural province hence people are exposed to water bodies in their day to day living. Through these campaigns we are trying to prevent some of these cases from happening,” she said.
“Under the campaign we are giving tips to community members on how to evade cases of drowning.
Among the issues we are saying children must be supervised by adults whenever they are near water bodies such as wells.
People should also ensure that water bodies are covered at all times.”
She said adults were also urged to escort children to school if they have to cross rivers or streams.
Insp Mangena said many children have been swept away after attempting to cross flooded rivers unsupervised.
She said those wishing to conduct fishing were supposed to carry along lifesaving equipment.
Police have also urged people to be careful when swimming as there was an increase in water levels due to inflows during this time of the year. — @DubeMatutu
Online Reporter