A JOB-SEEKING expedition ended tragically for Uzumba twins
after one of them drowned while crossing a flooded Nyaguwe River in a makeshift
canoe.
Twenty-six-year-old Lovemore Gunde’s body was retrieved by
fellow villagers after the canoe capsized while crossing the river into
Mashonaland Central province where they were going to look for jobs in the gold
mines.
Mashonaland East provincial police spokesperson Inspector
Tendai Mwanza confirmed the incident.
“We urge the public never to attempt crossing a flooded
river to save lives. During this rainy season, I urge those travelling to be
careful and avoid using makeshift boats to cross water bodies,” he said.
According to police, on February 21, Lovemore visited his
twin Luckmore in Zvomuya village in Uzumba so that they proceed to Mhondoro
Gold Mine in Shamva to look for work. The twin brothers arrived at Nyaguwe
River which was flooded and they failed to cross.
It is reported that they met other travellers, Paradzai
Buyani and Ruramai Chimutsa, who had also failed to cross the river. Buyani
then called Sure Chandavengerwa, who lives about 500 metres from the river, to
assist them across.
Chandavengerwa brought his makeshift canoe and successfully
ferried Buyani across. He returned for another trip and ferried Chimutsa and
Lovemore, leaving Luckmore behind.
It is reported that while in the middle of the river, the
makeshift boat capsized. Chandavengerwa and Chimutsa swam to safety, leaving
Lovemore behind.
The deceased’s body was retrieved the following morning by
villagers before a waiver for post-mortem was granted by a Mutawatawa
magistrate. Newsday
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