CommuTalk Reporter
GWERU: Two bodies have been retrieved after a vehicle that was swept away while attempting to cross a flooded Gweru river this Monday.
It has however emerged that the vehicle was an Isuzu double cab contrary to witness accounts that had identified the vehicle as a Toyota Hilux double cab.
The vehicle is also believed to have been carrying six passengers.
Identities of the deceased are yet to be disclosed.
Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Midlands provincial spokesperson Inspector Emanuel Mahoko told CommuTalk that the community not to attempt crossing flooded rivers.
“I can confirm that we received news that a vehicle was swept away yesterday. Rescue operations are currently being carried out and we have so far managed to retrieve two bodies. It is believed however that the vehicle was carrying six passengers.
“I would like to appeal to the public to exercise extreme caution and not try to attempt to cross flooded rivers as this could result in loss of live,” Insp Mahoko said.
Head of the Midlands Province Civil Protection Department, who is also Gweru District Administrator Jorum Chimedza said efforts are now underway to establish the whereabouts of the other four passengers believed to have been in the in the vehicle at the time of the accident.
“It’s a very difficult moment for the Gweru community. We understand that six people were in the vehicle when the incident took place. We are still waiting for the sub aqua unit to come and search for the other people believed to be the vehicle at the time of the incident.
“They have been attending ton similar incidents that happened along Runde river but we believe today they will show up and offer assistance,” Chimedza said.
Heavy rains have been pounding across the country recently resulting in most rivers getting flooded amid calls for motorists to exercise extreme caution when faced with flooded rivers.
