Toddler Swept Away and Dies After Mother Slips While Crossing Flooded River

A two-year-old girl drowned after being swept away by strong river currents when her mother slipped while crossing the flooded Pungwe River in Honde Valley.

Police in Manicaland confirmed the incident, which happened on April 22 around 6am in Buwu Village under Chief Mutasa. The child, identified as Sarah Matepo, was being carried on her mother’s back as they crossed the river.

Her mother, Cynthia Nyamunhuwa (27), slipped on a rock and fell into the water with the child. The strong current swept them away, and the cloth holding the child came loose.

The mother was pushed to the riverbank but could not find her child. She rushed to a nearby village to get help.

Villagers quickly organised a search and asked workers at the nearby hydro power station to reduce water flow. After searching along the river, they found the child’s body on the riverbank.

Police attended the scene and noted some injuries. The body was taken to Hauna District Hospital for a post-mortem. Investigations are ongoing.

Authorities have warned people to avoid crossing flooded rivers, saying strong currents and slippery surfaces can be deadly.