adminSukulwenkosi Dube Plumtree Correspondent
A 19-YEAR-OLD man from Mangwe District drowned in Embakwe Dam while trying to catch fish. Mfanelo Ncube and his friends were using homemade lines to catch fish on Friday afternoon.
Headman Zibuyeni confirmed the incident which occurred in his area.
He said Ncube’s friends reported that he drowned while trying to retrieve a fish which had escaped from his hook.
He said Ncube lost hold of the fishing line and went into the dam after the fish.
“The young boy’s peers said their late friend proceeded further into the dam in pursuit of the fish. His friends asked him to return to the bank,” said headman Zibuyeni.
He said Ncube who had reached a deeper part of the dam tried to make his way back to dry land but started drowning.
The headman said Ncube’s friends did not try to rescue him out of fear of drowning as well, adding they went on to alert other villagers of the incident.
Headman Zibuyeni said a number of youngsters and elderly people in the area carried out fishing activities at the dam.
He said some of the villagers sold the fish.
Zibuyeni told The Chronicle Ncube and his friends were trying to catch fish for their families’ consumption.
The councillor of the area, Moses Moyo, also confirmed the incident and said a sub aqua unit was called to retrieve the body from the dam.
“Professional divers were called to the scene and they managed to retrieve the body. I ferried him to the Plumtree District Hospital Mortuary in my car after we had alerted his family.
“It’s unfortunate that this boy died in such a terrible manner as fishing activities are common in our area and we hardly ever have people drowning during fishing expeditions,” he said.
Ncube said the boy was buried at his parents’ homestead in Embakwe area on Sunday.
Online Reporter