Killarney squatter drowns while crossing Umguza River

21 Jan, 2025 - 16:01 0 Views
Killarney squatter drowns while crossing Umguza River File Pic

Rutendo Nyeve, Sunday News Reporter

A 30-year-old man from Killarney squatter camp in Bulawayo tragically drowned on Sunday night while attempting to cross the Umguza River Bridge which was overflowing.

The man, Richard Sibanda who was with four other men was swept away by the strong currents and his body was later found held by a tree in the middle of the river after a tiresome search.

According to Bulawayo police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Nomalanga Msebele the incident occurred around 9 pm on January 19, 2025.

“The deceased and five other male adults were crossing the Umguza River Bridge from Cement Side Compound to their residences when the incident happened,” she said.

“The water was flowing over the bridge, reaching knee level and the deceased who was in the front, was swept away to the other side of the bridge and into the river.”

The four other men, who witnessed the incident did not attempt to cross the bridge and instead notified other residents who launched a search for Sibanda. After a thorough search, his body was found held by a tree in the middle of the river.

Assistant Inspector Msebele urged the public not to cross flooded rivers advising them to use alternative routes or wait for the water to subside.

“We urge members of the public not to risk their lives by attempting to cross flooded rivers,” she said.

“Instead, they should use other roads or wait for the water to subside to avoid such incidents.”

In a separate incident, police are investigating the sudden death of 27-year-old Daniel Quinton Lunga, who was found hanging from the roof trusses of his room in Kingsdale, Bulawayo.

According to Assistant Inspector Msebele, Lunga had left his home on January 17, 2025 to visit the Central Business District and did not return.

His younger brother discovered his body on January 20, 2025 after noticing flies and an unpleasant smell coming from Lunga’s room.

The police are still investigating both incidents and the cause of Lunga’s death is yet to be determined.

@nyeve14

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