By Tadiwanashe Mberikunashe
A devastating incident occurred on June 30, 2025, when two children from Banduki Village under Chief Bota lost their lives while attempting to cross Mutirikwi River highlighting the urgent need for a bridge across the river.
Zivanai (18) and Princess Revesai, (5) drowned while crossing the river in a tree bark boat on their way back from Renco Mine pre-school in Masvingo District, which they had to travel to due to the lack of quality educational facilities in their own Zaka District.
Masvingo Provincial Police Spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa confirmed the incident to TellZim News and urged members of the public to prioritize their safety when crossing rivers.
“I confirm a death by drowning incident where two people aged 18 and 5 drowned while crossing Mutirikwi River in a canoe. We urge members of the public to think of their safety before using canoes to cross rivers so that we won’t lose lives,” said Inspector Dhewa.
On June 30, 2025 around 1400 hours Zivanai, Princess and Violet Mapfumo were coming from Renco Mine preschool.
Zivanai took the man-made canoe which they used to cross the river alongside Princess and Mapfumo.
When they reached 15metres in the river as they were trying to cross, the canoe lost balance, Mapfumo swam to the edge of the river but the two failed.
Mapfumo informed villagers and police to come and assist her. Princess was found dead few metres from the scene and further searches were done to look for Zivanai who was found dead underwater.
The bodies of Zivanai and Princess were eventually recovered, with Princess found a few meters from the scene and Zivanai underwater.
This tragic incident is a stark reminder of the long-standing need for a bridge crossing Mutirikwi River.
As reported by TellZim News in previous articles, villagers have been calling for a bridge to be constructed to ease the crossing in various points and prevent such accidents. Unfortunately, their pleas seem to have fallen on deaf ears.
Moreover, this incident highlights the need for better educational infrastructure in Zaka District as some shun Musenyereki Primary and Musenyerki Secondary schools.
The fact that children have to cross a treacherous river to access better schools in Masvingo District is a clear indication that more needs to be done to address the educational needs of the community.
The establishment of quality schools in Zaka District would go a long way in preventing such tragedies and ensuring that children can access education safely as both primary and secondary leaners often cross to Renco Mine Primary and Nyabata High Schools.
Though many do not cross on daily basis, they often cross during weekends to be with family across the river risking their lives as the river is also infested with hippos and crocodiles.
