Drowning Deaths Double in Midlands, Police Raise Alarm

Gweru - Drowning deaths in Midlands Province have surged sharply since the start of the 2025/2026 rainy season, with the Zimbabwe Republic Police recording 37 fatalities, more than double the 17 deaths reported during the same period last year.

Speaking at a media briefing in Gweru yesterday, Tuesday February 10, the Officer Commanding Police in Midlands Province, Commissioner Patson Nyabadza, said the rising toll was deeply worrying and largely preventable, saying continued heavy rains were exposing communities to serious danger.

Commissioner Nyabadza said the spike in drowning incidents and rain-related fatalities posed a direct threat to lives, property and livestock, noting that the protection of citizens remains a core constitutional responsibility of the police.

While abundant rainfall has raised optimism for a good agricultural season, he said it has also brought unintended consequences as rivers overflow, mine shafts flood, bridges are submerged and roads, particularly in rural areas, deteriorate rapidly.

Some of the most tragic incidents this season include the death of seven artisanal miners in Silobela after a mine shaft flooded during heavy rains at Base Mineral Block Mine in November 2025.

Five people also lost their lives after an ox-drawn scotch cart was swept away while attempting to cross the flooded Sebakwe River.

In January, six people were marooned along the Mwenezi River in Mberengwa after water levels rose suddenly while they were fishing and were only rescued two days later following a joint operation involving the ZRP Sub-Aqua Unit and the Air Force of Zimbabwe.

Police statistics show that Kwekwe recorded the sharpest increase in drowning cases, rising from three deaths last season to 18 this year.

Zvishavane also saw an increase from nine to 12 cases, while Gweru Rural rose from two to five. Gweru Urban reported no drowning cases this season after recording one last year, while Gokwe remained unchanged at two.

Commissioner Nyabadza said most drowning incidents occur when people attempt to cross flooded rivers, swim in dams and ponds, fish during heavy rains or enter poorly reinforced mine tunnels.

He also warned motorists against driving through flooded bridges and rivers, speeding, overloading vehicles and using mobile phones while driving, saying rain-damaged roads continue to contribute to fatal accidents.

He further expressed concern over lightning-related deaths, noting that some fatalities occur when people seek shelter under tall trees during storms.

As the rainy season continues, Commissioner Nyabadza urged residents to prioritise safety, closely supervise children, adhere to road safety regulations and stay informed through weather updates and flood warnings from the Meteorological Department.

“Midlands Province, you and I have a shared responsibility to safeguard life, property and livestock,” he said