Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu sukulwenkosi.dube@chronicle.co.zw
THREE people have drowned in flooded rivers across Matabeleland South, while four others remain trapped on Thekwane River in Bulilima.
Matabeleland South provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Chiratidzo Dube, confirmed the incidents, which occurred in Bulilima, Mawabeni, Esigodini and Gwanda Districts.
“On 20 December 2025 at around 06:00, four people crossed Thekwane River using a donkey-drawn scotch cart, proceeding to 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,” said Insp Dube.
In another incident, on 22 December at around 19:00, Sibusiso Ndlovu left Mawabeni Business Centre to go home. He did not reach home and is suspected to have drowned in the flooded Umzingwane River. A search along the river channel led to the recovery of his body on the riverbank.
“In another case on 22 December 2025 at around 19:00, Sydne Dube attempted to cross 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,” she said.
In Gwanda District, on 22 December, Trust Nyathi, who was among a group of gold panners on the Tuli River, was blocked by floods and sought refuge on an island. While attempting to cross to the shore the following day, Nyathi refused to proceed and climbed onto a tree. As the others crossed, Precious Dube, Nyathi’s mother, lost her balance and was swept away.
Insp Dube urged members of the public to desist from crossing flooded rivers and advised parents to closely supervise children around water bodies.
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