A devastating tragedy in Matabeleland South has been explained by chilling new details from police. Nine people, including a newborn baby and a toddler, drowned after a passenger took the wheel and attempted to cross a flooded river. This followed the driver getting out to assess the danger.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirmed the incident occurred at the Tshangamutope River in the Mukula area, Filabusi, on the night of 22 January 2026. According to the police statement, the driver had stopped the Toyota Noah vehicle and disembarked to check the water level, leaving the keys in the ignition.
It was then that catastrophe struck.
A Fatal Decision In The Dead Of Night
Police state that one of the remaining passengers then moved into the driver’s seat. This individual proceeded to drive the vehicle onto the flooded bridge around 2200 hours. The force of the water swept the car away, submerging it and trapping all nine occupants inside.
The community assisted in the grim recovery operation the following day, 23 January 2026. The police report detailed the heartbreaking demographics of the victims: “The victims comprise five female adults, two male adults, one female juvenile and a male toddler.” The bodies were taken to Filabusi District Hospital mortuary. Only two victims have been formally identified so far.
Government Considers Fines As Flood Death Toll Rises
This incident has amplified government concern over repeated, preventable flood deaths. The Herald reports that high-level consultations are underway to empower traditional leaders to impose fines on those who ignore flood warnings. Nathan Nkomo, the Chief Director in the Department of Civil Protection, expressed frustration at the disregard for safety.
“It is rather unfortunate that we have people who continue to disregard danger warnings from authorities and as such we are in consultations with our principals with a view of having our traditional leaders empowered to fine anyone in their jurisdiction who does not take heed of these warnings,” Nkomo said.
He emphasised the senseless loss, stating,
“We cannot afford to be losing precious lives in a way that can be clearly avoided.”
The official statistics are stark. Since October 2025, the Department of Civil Protection reports at least 80 people have now died in flood-related incidents across Zimbabwe, with 61 injured and over a thousand households affected.
As recovery efforts concluded, the focus turned to identification and mourning. With more heavy rain forecast, authorities are pleading with the public to never attempt to cross flooded rivers or bridges.
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The post Passenger Attempted To Cross Flooded River After Driver Went Out: Police Reveal More Details On Accident Which Killed Nine appeared first on iHarare News.
