Staff Reporter

Three members of a family drowned in Sathe nyati River in Gokwe after they attempted to cross the river to a nearest health centre on 21 January 2024.

The three, a husband, wife, and their 7-day-old child were on their way to Chidamoyo Hospital to seek treatment for the baby when the incident occurred.

According to the Zimbabwe Republic Police, the three were identified as Simbarashe Kanyonde (27), his wife Lucia Dzimba (23), and their baby all from Village Mutukani, Chief Chireya, Gokwe.

Midlands Police Spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko said the family drowned whilst they attempted to cross the river in a canoe that capsized.

“When they reached the Sanyati River, they boarded a canoe intending to cross to the other side. It is alleged, the canoe capsized in the middle of the river and the family was swept away. Lucia Dzimba and the baby tied on her back were found floating and retrieved by villagers about 700 meters down the river.

ZRP Nembudziya attended the scene and took the two bodies to Gokwe North District Hospital mortuary. Simbarashe Kanyonde is still missing and searches for him are ongoing,” said Inspector Mahoko.

Police urged members of the public to desist from crossing flooded rivers to avoid unnecessary loss of lives.