A 11-year-old boy drowned while trying to cross a flooded Kangovhi River in Hwange on Saturday, police confirmed yesterday. Report by Pamela Mhlanga Own correspondent
Matabeleland North provincial police spokesperson Inspector Billie Dube told NewsDay the incident occurred at about 9 am.
“Godknows Ncube (11) of Chilanga village under Chief Nekatambe in Hwange was coming from the fields in the company of three people, namely Sando Nyathi (42), Francis Magwaza (age not given) and Promise Nyathi (12) when they came upon Kangovhi River which was flooded after a heavy downpour,” he said.
Dube said when they saw that the river was flooded, they continued walking down along the river trying to locate a place where they could safely cross to the other side.
“As they walked along the river bank, Godknows suddenly slipped and fell into the water and was swept away far into the river by the strong current,” said the provincial spokesman.
Dube said efforts by Sando to rescue the boy were fruitless as Godknows drowned before he could save him.
A report was made to the police at Hwange, who attended the scene and retrieved the body from the river.
The police ruled out any foul play.
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Dube advised the public to desist from walking near to or attempting to cross flooded rivers this rainy season, as that could result in unnecessary loss of life.
