By Rangarirai Shanyurai
Tragedy struck in Gutu after a teenager’s devout desire to attend an all-night prayer resulted in her death as they tried to cross Chinyika River and her brother had to spend half the night trapped in a tree.
The now deceased Shalome Mutaviri (18) and her younger brother from Chitsvori village under Chief Chitsa were swept away by water while attempting to cross the river but the boy managed to climb on a tree that was in the river.
Masvingo Provincial Police Spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa confirmed the incident to TellZim News and urged members of the public to avoid attempting to cross flooded rivers.
“I can confirm an incident of drowning in Gutu where the now deceased drowned and her little brother aged 12 survived in Chinyika River on January 18. I urge members of the public never to attempt crossing flooded rivers,” said Dhewa.
Sources privy to the incident said on January 18 at around 1730 hours Mutaviri and her little brother were going to Zambuko Apostolic Church for an All-night prayer. They found Chinyika River flooded and attempted to cross and were swept away midway.
After being swept for about 50 metres, the boy managed to grab a tree which was on the middle of the river and climbed. He spend about eight hours in the tree and managed to climb down at around 0100 and went to Chinyika Business Centre where he reported the incident.
A search was conducted on the following day and Mutaviri’s body was found about a kilometre away trapped between rocks.
The body of the deceased was taken to Gutu Mission Hospital Mortuary for post-mortem.
