Shurugwi- A 23-year old mother and her two year old daughter drowned after a Ford Wild Track vehicle driven by her husband was swept away as the family attempted to cross a flooded river in Shurugwi.
Talent Piruke (23) and her daughter Ruvarashe Musvuti (2) of Beatrice, Seke were trapped in the vehicle while Piruke’s husband, Courage Musvuti managed to swim to safety.
The incident happened on Tuesday along Mashava-Downlands
gravel road, Shurugwi around 4pm.
Midlands Police Spokesperson, Inspector Emmanual Mahoko confirmed the incident to Masvingo Mirror.
Musvuti’s friend, Ishmael Zimhindo (30) of Habard Farm, Beatrice who was accompanying the family to its rural home also died.
“Three people died whilst one escaped after a vehicle they were traveling in was swept away. We once again reiterate our message to motorist that they should not risk lives by crossing flooded rivers. Instead they should wait for water to subside before crossing rivers,” said Mahoko.
Circimstances are that upon reaching a flooded Nyangane River, Musvuti decided to drive through it and the vehicle was swept away.
Musvuti managed to swim to safety. His wife, minor child and friend were trapped inside the vehicle and died.
The bodies of the deceased were retrieved from the vehicle by villagers on the next day.
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