Three people have drowned in rivers swollen by floods across Matabeleland South Province, while four others remain trapped on the Thekwane River in Bulilima.
Matabeleland South provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Chiratidzo Dube, confirmed the incidents, which occurred in Bulilima, Umzingwane, and Gwanda districts. Said Insp Dube:
“On 20 December 2025 at around 06:00, four people crossed the Thekwane River using a donkey-drawn scotch cart, proceeding to the Mbimba area in Bulilima to harvest mopane worms.
“On their way back at around 18:00, they managed to cross the first split of Thekwane River, but when they arrived at the second split, about 100 metres from the first, they found the river flooded and impassable.
“They returned to the first split and found that the water level had risen, making it impassable. They got trapped on a river island where they are awaiting rescue.”
In a separate incident on 22 December at around 7 PM, Sibusiso Ndlovu left Mawabeni Business Centre to return home but never made it.
His body was later found on the bank of the flooded Umzingwane River, and it is suspected that he drowned. Said Insp Dube:
“In another case on 22 December 2025 at around 19:00, Sydne Dube attempted to cross the Bhadi River in Bezha Gobeni, Esigodini.
“The river was flooded, and other villagers were standing near the bridge, which was also submerged.
“Dube tried to cross through the middle of the bridge but was swept away by the strong current. Local villagers searched for his body, but to no avail.”
In Gwanda District on 22 December, Trust Nyathi, part of a group of gold panners on the Tuli River, was trapped by floodwaters and took refuge on an island.
The next day, while trying to reach the shore, Nyathi refused to move and climbed a tree. As the others crossed, his mother, Precious Dube, lost her balance and was swept away by the current.
Inspector Dube has urged the public to avoid crossing flooded rivers and advised parents to keep a close eye on their children near water.
More: B-Metro
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