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Lewis Matizha

Midlands Bureau Chief
A POPULAR Gweru socialite drowned in a river near Chachacha Business Centre in Shurugwi at a braai party with friends.

Lewis Matizha, who is also an engineering contractor with Sandvik Engineering Company at Unki Mine, drowned on Saturday in Mutevekwana River near Chachacha Business Centre around 2PM.

Witnesses said Matizha decided to take a swim after having one too many.

The police sub aqua unit recovered his body from the river on Sunday.

According to Matizha’s friend, Kenny Pedzisai, Matizha who was staying in Gweru was called to work and when he got to Shurugwi, he saw some of his friends buying alcohol and meat preparing for a braai.

“He told us he was going to work to drop off some tools. He joined us later,” said Pedzisai.

Onlookers watch as members of the police sub-aqua unit search for the body of Lewis Matizha on Sunday

He said the friends then proceeded to a secluded place along Mutevekwana River near Chachacha Business Centre.

“They started drinking beer while braaing meat,” he said.

Pedzisai said at around 2PM, Matizha stripped to his shorts and jumped into the river and started swimming.

He said before they knew it, Matizha was calling for help.

“I think because he was drinking beer, he became tired and could no longer swim. So one of the guys jumped into the river but failed to save him. A second guy also jumped into the river but Luwie was nowhere to be seen,” he said.

Pedzisai said they reported the matter at Donga Police Station.

He said the police sub aqua unit was then called to assist but only arrived at the scene on Sunday.

“Around 2PM, that is some 24 hours after he drowned, Luwie’s body was retrieved from the river,” said Pedzisai.

He said funeral arrangements were underway adding that Luwie would only be buried upon the arrival of his mother who is said to be in Malaysia.

“His body has been taken to Harare awaiting burial,” said Pedzisai.

Acting Midlands provincial police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Ethel Mukwende could not be reached for comment as she was said to be out of office.