Chiredzi(New Ziana) -A Chiredzi North ward 16 rural councillor allegedly drowned on Monday trying to cross the flooded and crocodile infested Runde River, it has been learnt.

In a statement, ZANU PF Masvingo Province Secretary for Information and Publicity Cde Ronald Ndava confirmed the death of Elliot William Mboma.

“It is with a heavy heart and sorrow that we have lost yet another councillor and hard working party cadre in ward 16 Chiredzi North constituency Comrade Elliot William Mboma.

A search team comprising of the local community and well wishers managed to retrieve Cllr Mboma’s body around 1600hrs after a seven hour search. The body was found on the river bank.

“We will update you on the burial arrangements as soon as communication is received from the family,” said Ndava.

Masvingo Province has since the beginning of the rainy season received above normal rainfall resulting in most rivers and dams overflowing.

The councillor’s death comes amid an awareness campaign by the Civil Protection Unit warning people not to cross flooded rivers.

New Ziana