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Whinsley Masara, Chronicle Reporter
A 42-YEAR-OLD man from Esigodini, who was allegedly drunk, drowned while attempting to cross a flooded river.

Ranet Sibanda of Esibomvu Village under chief Gwebu, who was in the company of Mr Coaster Zondo (55), allegedly drowned in Nsezi River while coming from a beer drink at Esibomvu Business Centre.

The incident occurred on Monday at around 7PM.

Matabeleland South police spokesperson Inspector Philisani Ndebele confirmed the incident and said investigations were underway.

“We received a report on the drowning of a 42-year-old man who attempted to cross a flooded Nsezi River. He was coming from drinking beer in the company of a male friend at a local bar at Esibomvu Business Centre. Investigations are underway,” said Insp Ndebele.

He expressed concern that drowning incidents were on the increase despite police warning people not to cross flooded rivers or for children not to play near unsecured water bodies.

“Due to the large amounts of rainfall being received, we are warning members of the public not to underestimate water levels in water bodies as this has resulted in drowning incidents.

“Parents should always monitor their children and warn them not to play or do activities near water bodies. Police are also on record warning motorists to desist from crossing flooded rivers and bridges as they risk being swept away.” said Insp Ndebele.

Since the start of the rainy season, the country has recorded several drowning incidents.

Last week, a five-year-old girl from Madlambuzi in Mangwe District drowned while swimming and a six-year-old boy from Cala village in Filabusi died after he fell into a 1,5 metre deep well.

Last month, an eight-year-old boy drowned while fishing with his 10-year-old brother in Nhomela River in Plumtree.

An 11-month old baby also drowned in a bucket in Bulawayo’s Hillside suburb while his mother was outside the house doing some laundry recently.

@winnie_masara