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THE body of a 16-year-old teenager who reportedly drowned last week in Shangani river, Nkayi while swimming with a friend is yet to be located.

Bukosi Moyo who was herding cattle dived into Shangani River before being swept away.

Matabeleland North provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Glory Banda said last week on Monday morning, police received a report of a teenager who had drowned while swimming with a friend, a day earlier.

As the boy was struggling to swim, his friend tried to rescue him to no avail.

Villagers are continuing to search for the body while waiting for the arrival of the police sub aqua unit.

“On 14 February Mukosi Ncube and Bukosi Moyo proceeded to the grazing area where their cattle were. After finding the cattle they proceeded to Shangani river for a swim. Informant, Mukosi Ncube got into the

water first and began to swim while Bukosi Moyo removed his clothes and dived into the deep waters. Informant realised that he was struggling to swim and attempted to rescue him but failed, ” said Insp Banda.

The friend rushed back home to alert Bukosi’s step mother of the incident.

The woman mobilized community members to conduct a search in the river, but nothing was found.

Police were called in and the police sub aqua unit was alerted about the incident but it is yet to visit the scene.

Villagers are, meanwhile continuing with the search.

Insp Banda appealed to parents and guardians to discourage their children from playing in water bodies.

He said drowning cases were on the increase.

Police have also warned people and motorists against crossing flooded rivers.