The Sunday Mail
EIGHT family members perished when a car they were travelling in was swept away while crossing a flooded bridge near Kadoma.
National police spokesperson Senior Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba confirmed the incident, saying the bodies of the deceased were discovered trapped inside a Honda CRV in Ngwazani River.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) would like to confirm that eight people died on January 2 2015 along Battlefield-Tuft Road in Kadoma when the driver tried to cross Ngwazani River Bridge which had been submerged by water.
“The vehicle, a Honda CRV was then swept downstream by a strong current. Bodies were recovered on 3rd January 2015 about 150 metres away from the bridge whilst inside the vehicle. It is very sad to note that the driver of the Honda CRV did not take heed of calls not to cross the flooded bridge by other motorists who were patiently waiting for the river to subside,” she said.
The deceased have been identified as Nomatter Ndodo (40), Magneta Musariri Ndodo(26), Tawananyasha Ndodo(2), Edes Musariri(31), Benedict Mhande (9) son to Edes, Catherine Mhande(4) daughter to Edes, Chris Mhande(20), and Ngonidzashe Gavi.
Senior Asst Comm Charamba urged motorists to avoid crossing flooded rivers and bridges.
“The Police urges the public to be on high alert of potential floods due to the current incessant rains in the country. Indications are that the prevailing rainfall situation is likely to affect the free passage of motorists on most roads.
“Motorists are therefore urged not to cross flooded rivers and bridges. They should safeguard life and only move when water has subsided.”
According to the Civil Protection Unit (CPU), 17 people died countrywide between December 2013 and February 2014 as a result of flooding.
