The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has identified the two women who drowned during a Manjuzu traditional ceremony in Bindura on Monday, 28 July.
In a statement posted on X, the ZRP confirmed that Ellen Mlauzi (49) and Ethel Nyabundu (22) drowned in the Nyaure River at Manhenga Village. The statement reads:
The ZRP confirms a sad incident in which two women drowned in Nyaure River in Manhenga, Bindura on 28/07/25 while performing traditional rites known as manjuzu.
The victims have been identified as Ellen Mulauzi (49) and Ethel Nyabundu (22). The bodies were referred to Bindura Provincial Hospital for post mortem.
Police Mlauzi and Nyabundu attended the ceremony with three other women, Pauline Kadzviti (48), Tabeth Sagwidza (39), and Emma Sagwidza (35), as well as a man named Jacob Peter.
Speaking to State media, police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi warned the public to be careful around rivers and dams, and to avoid taking part in dangerous activities. He said:
The Zimbabwe Republic Police would like to confirm the death of two women by drowning at Nyaure River, Manhenga village in Bindura.
The now deceased were reported to have been conducting some traditional rites in the company of two other women and one man.
One of the now deceased was reported to have shown signs of being possessed with spirits, moved to deep water and drowned.
The man followed, tried in vain to rescue her, called others and they all failed, leading to the drowning of another woman.
They managed to retrieve one body and the other body was retrieved the following day by police Sub-Aqua Unit members.
As police, we continue to urge members of the public to be very cautious when in rivers, dams and to avoid engaging in life-threatening activities.
We have lost lives that could have been saved if due caution was observed.
Investigations are continuing with a view to ascertain what actually transpired.
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