4 artisanal miners reportedly lost their lives last week when a boat they were using to cross a flooded Munyati River capsized, New Zimbabwe reports. According to the publication, The 4 unfortunate victims of the incident were identified as:
- Ngonidzashe Mapfumo (48),
- Nyasha Mapfumo (age unknown),
- Promise Gwade (age unknown)
- Tinashe Matesanwa (age unknown).
ZRP Officer commanding Hurungwe district, Chief Superintendent Helena Mahonde confirmed the case and told the publication that the men were going back to their rural homes when tragedy struck:
The tragic incident happened when the now deceased persons found a flooded Sanyati river while returning to their homes.
A ferry operator, one Frances Mukakatanwa reportedly offered to help them cross for a US$10 fee.
They accepted the offer and went on to load their goods onto the makeshift boat.
After venturing about 160m into the turbulent waters, the boat was reportedly hit by a water wave and capsized.
The ferry operator and one of the passengers Josphat Mapfumo managed to swim to the shores, while the now deceased four men were swept away and drowned.
Zimbabwe has received incessant rains over the past few weeks and incidences of drowning and vehicles being swept away by strong currents have increased over the last few weeks.
More: New Zimbabwe