Moffat Mungazi
Hazel Chitepo
Post Reporter
AN 18-year-old tragically lost her life while attempting to cross a flooded Odzi River with her mother recently.
Despite her mother, Mrs Grace Chitulumani (42)’s efforts, Nokutenda Chitulumani was swept away and drowned.
Acting Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, confirmed the incident.
He said the two were crossing Odzi River when it suddenly flooded, sweeping Nokutenda away while they were in the middle of the river.
“On January 7, 2025, the victim, Nokutenda Chitulumani, of Mukono Village under Chief Mutambara was crossing Odzi River with her mother, Grace.
While they were at the centre of the river, it suddenly flooded, and her mother managed to swim to safety, while the victim was swept away by the water.
When her mother realised that her daughter had been swept away, she reported the matter to the police at ZRP Cashel.
Police attended the scene, conducted a search, and found Nokutenda’s body approximately one and half kilometres away from the scene,” he said.
Assistant Inspector Chinyoka warned the public against crossing flooded rivers, citing the risks of drowning and other accidents.
“The public should avoid crossing flooded rivers, and wait for the water to recede or find an alternative route as the rivers can be deceptively powerful and fast-moving.
“They should also monitor local weather forecasts and flood warnings before attempting to cross a river; check the depth and current of the water to ensure it is safe; stick to designated crossing points, such as bridges or shallow areas; avoid crossing at night as it is harder to see obstacles or judge the water’s depth in the dark; travel with a group and stay within arm’s reach of each other, while ensuring that children are supervised and kept close when near flooded rivers,” he said.
