Vongai Masuka

A 44-year-old man from Chitonho Village drowned in the Ruya River last week while attempting to retrieve damaged fishing nets from their local river in Mt Darwin.

The deceased, identified as Tongai Zakeo, disappeared beneath the water on December 19 after swimming across the river to collect a portion of his nets that had been torn overnight.

According to police reports, Zakeo had cast his fishing nets across the river as an overnight trap on the evening of December 18.

When he returned the following morning at approximately 11:00 AM, he discovered the nets had been severed.

An eyewitness, 50-year-old Evans Chipara, told authorities he arrived at the riverbank just as Zakeo was swimming back from retrieving the torn equipment.

Chipara reportedly watched as Zakeo suddenly sank and failed to resurface.

The disappearance prompted an immediate search operation involving the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Mt Darwin, local villagers, and later, the ZRP Sub Aqua Unit and the Zimbabwe National Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks).

Due to the known presence of reptiles in the Ruya River, initial fears suggested a crocodile attack.

During the search on December 20, two crocodiles were killed and examined by wildlife authorities; however, no human remains were found.

Zakeo’s body was eventually discovered floating in the river at approximately 1:00 AM on December 21 by a search party led by his relative, Alec Zakeo.

“Upon examination, police noted that the body had no visible injuries, ruling out a crocodile attack.

Authorities established that Zakeo drowned,” police officials stated.

Mashonaland Central Police spokesperson, Inspector Milton Mundembe, issued a warning to local communities following the tragedy, describing the practice of swimming to retrieve nets as extremely dangerous.

“Rivers are unpredictable, and the presence of crocodiles, strong currents, and deep pools makes swimming a serious risk,” Inspector Mundembe said.

“People must use safer fishing methods and avoid entering the water under any circumstances.” He added.

The body was transported to Nyaradzo Mortuary pending a post-mortem examination.