Chiredzi (New Ziana) –A 22 year old man from Chiredzi in Masvingo province drowned recently after he jumped into the dam in which he was fishing to escape from a charging buffalo.

Tensen Mabhuyo of Shine Plus, Hippo Valley Sugar Estates, drowned on February 5 this year in Muteri Dam where he had gone fishing with three colleagues.

Mabhuyo was in the company of Cornelius Muchazvirega (24), Needmore Makwela (20) and Shelton Mabwaushe (31) all from the Lowveld sugarcane producing estates when the incident occurred.

Whilst fishing, the three men saw a buffalo charging towards them and they all jumped into the dam.

Muchazvirega, Makwela and Mabwaushe managed to swim to the safety a tree in middle of the water body but Mabhuyo could not swim and he drowned.

The other three men went to report the matter to the police the following day and Mabhuyo’s body was retrieved.

Meanwhile, Mabhuyo drowned a day after Tafadzwa Mafungauchi (22) of Maponde in the same district who met his fate in the Runde River near Chilonga Bridge while trying to cross the swollen river in a canoe.

Mafungauchi wanted to go to Chilonga Business Centre when he boarded a canoe which was being operated by Nelson May and Onias Mashaila both aged 22 from Chief Sengwe in the area.

Their canoe was attacked a hippopotamus and it capsized.

May and Mashaila managed to swim across to the other side but Mafungauchi could not swim and he drowned.

His body was found floating on top of the water surrounded by crocodiles on February 6.

Masvingo police spokesperson, Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa confirmed the incident and urged people to avoid crossing flooded rivers.

New Ziana