BY SAMUEL NJINGA IN MWENEZI
Tragedy struck the quiet village of Musvoti on Friday when a 49-year-old man, Anamatia Macheza, drowned in Musaverema Dam while attempting to retrieve his makeshift boat that had been swept away by strong water waves. Macheza, from Chief Mawarire’s area in Mwenezi district, had been fishing together with his wife, Ruvarashe Pfimbidzai (35), when the incident occurred.
According to local sources compounded by the police report, the couple had set out for a peaceful afternoon of fishing near Matibi Hospital. Macheza had secured his makeshift boat along the riverbank, but rising water waves pulled it into the deeper part of the dam on Saturday afternoon. Determined to recover his boat, Macheza pursued it but tragically slipped into the deep waters and struggled to swim.
His wife, Ruvarashe, watched in horror but was unable to help as Macheza disappeared beneath the water. Local authorities were notified, and the police sub-aqua unit was called in to search for the body. After a couple of days of effort, the team recovered Macheza’s body yesterday.
The family is now preparing for his burial, which is scheduled to take place tomorrow in Musvoti Village. Macheza is survived by his wife and children. His sudden death has left the community in shock, as they mourn the loss of a well-known farmer and beloved member of the village.
Police have urged residents to exercise extreme caution around water bodies, particularly during fishing activities, as we approach the rainy season that is likely to increase the risk of accidents in such areas.