Norman Dururu
GWERU – Police in Midlands Province have warned the public to exercise extreme caution this rainy season after recording at least 37 rain-related accident deaths since the start of the 2025/2026 season.
Speaking during a media briefing, Midlands Province Officer Commanding Police, Commissioner Patson Nyabadza, said the deaths were largely due to drowning in flooded rivers, wells, and open pits, as well as lightning strikes and road traffic accidents caused by poor road conditions and reduced visibility during heavy rains.
Comm Nyabadza said police were deeply concerned by the loss of lives, property, and livestock experienced across the province during this period.
Among the tragic incidents, he cited the deaths of seven artisanal miners who were trapped and drowned after a mining shaft was flooded by heavy rains at Base Mineral Block Mine in Silobela on November 5, 2025.
He also highlighted an incident in which five people were swept away while attempting to cross the flooded Sebakwe River in an ox-drawn scotch cart.
“The scotch cart and all its passengers were swept away by the strong currents,” said Commissioner Nyabadza.
He further revealed that six people were stranded while fishing along the Mwenezi River in Village Kudakwashe Tafanago, under Chief Chingoma in Mberengwa, on January 17, 2026.
“They were rescued two days later by the ZRP Sub-Aqua Unit, with assistance from an Air Force of Zimbabwe helicopter,” he said.
Comm Nyabadza said police had also recorded cases of children drowning in small dams and ponds, vehicles being swept away while attempting to cross flooded rivers and bridges, and road traffic accidents resulting from poor visibility during rainfall.
“There have also been deaths caused by lightning, particularly when people seek shelter under tall trees during storms, as well as cases of mining tunnels collapsing after being flooded,” he said.
He urged the public never to attempt to cross flooded rivers or streams, and warned motorists against driving through flooded bridges.
“Drivers should avoid traveling during heavy rains and should only resume their journeys when visibility has improved,” he said.
Comm Nyabadza also advised people not to seek shelter under tall trees during storms because of the risk of lightning strikes.
“Those involved in mining should only enter properly reinforced tunnels after safety assessments, while children must be closely supervised and prevented from swimming in dams, streams, and unprotected wells,” he said.
The Midlands top cop further appealed to motorists to avoid drinking and driving, refrain from speeding, and always drive with consideration for road conditions and speed limits.
He also urged public transport operators to avoid overloading vehicles and to observe all road safety regulations.
