Mother, Child And Family Friend Three Killed As Vehicle Is Carried By Flooded River

A 23-year-old woman and her two-year-old daughter drowned after a Ford Wildtrak driven by her husband was swept away while the family tried to cross a flooded river in Shurugwi last Tuesday.

Talent Piruke and her daughter Ruvarashe Musvuti, both from Beatrice in Seke, were trapped inside the vehicle. Piruke’s husband, Courage Musvuti, managed to swim to safety.

The incident happened around 4 PM on Tuesday along the Mashava–Downlands Road.

Midlands provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko, confirmed the incident.

Musvuti’s friend, Ishmael Zimhindo (30) of Habard Farm in Beatrice, who was travelling with the family to their rural home, also died in the incident. Said Inspector Mahoko:

“Three people died whilst one escaped after a vehicle they were travelling in was swept away.

“We once again reiterate our message to motorists that they should not risk their lives by crossing flooded rivers.

“Instead, they should wait for the water to subside before crossing rivers.”

Police said that when the family reached the flooded Nyangane River, Musvuti attempted to drive across, but the vehicle was swept away by the strong current.

Musvuti managed to swim to safety, but his wife, young child and friend were trapped inside the vehicle and drowned.

Villagers recovered the bodies from the vehicle the following day.