MILLICENT HUNGWE
ZAKA –A routine trip home turned tragic for Violet Mapfumo (34) of Village Banduki, Chief Bota in Zaka, when her two children, Zivanai Revesai (18) and Princess Revesai (5), drowned while crossing Mutirikwi River in a man-made canoe (piroc) on June 30.
ZRP Masvingo Province Spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa told The Midweek Watch that as the family reached the banks of Mutirikwi River, a familiar crossing point in their daily travels, Zivanai took a locally made canoe, commonly known as a piroc, to ferry his mother and little sister across.
However, tragedy struck about 15 metres from the riverbank when the canoe lost balance and capsized.
In a desperate struggle, all three occupants were thrown into the water. Violet managed to grab onto the canoe and was eventually able to float back toward the river’s edge, calling for help.
Local villagers and police responded and began searching for the missing children.
Young Princess was found shortly after, her small body caught in reeds just a few metres from where the canoe had overturned.
Further efforts led to the recovery of Zivanai’s body submerged beneath the water.
Inspector Dhewa urged the public to avoid makeshift water transport and instead seek safer alternatives when crossing rivers.
