By Kelvin Wilson Kasiwulaya
“Members of the public are urged to exercise extreme caution and take necessary precautions to prevent drowning incidents amidst the ongoing rainy season,” advised Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko, Midlands Police Spokesperson, in a recent statement.
As the rainy season sets in, bringing both joy and sorrow, the Midlands Police have expressed deep concern over the increasing number of drowning cases.
Tragically, this is an annual occurrence during this time of year, as the volume of water in rivers rises, luring children into dangerous swimming activities.
Since the start of the 2023-2024 rain season, drowning-related fatalities have seen a worrisome surge.
The most recent incident involved a 38-year-old man from Shurugwi who was swept away by a flooded river while attempting to cross on January 4, 2024.
Additionally, a tragic incident unfolded when a 6-year-old boy from Nembudzia drowned in a pool of water as he tried to follow his 16-year-old brother to the grazing lands.
In light of these tragic events, the police are urgently calling on the public to refrain from crossing flooded rivers, urging them instead to wait until the water subsides before attempting to cross.
Swimming in flooded pools and rivers is strongly discouraged, especially for children.
Parents and guardians are advised to closely monitor toddlers and prevent them from playing near or around any water bodies, including pools, wells, dams, and rivers.
To eliminate any potential hazards, buckets and dishes filled with water should always be securely closed.
Furthermore, the Midlands Police issued a warning to motorists, urging them not to take the risk of crossing flooded bridges, as doing so may lead to being swept away by the strong currents and, ultimately, the loss of life.
The police are working tirelessly to raise awareness in the community to prevent future tragedies.
Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko, the Midlands Police Spokesperson, emphasized the importance of taking these precautions seriously, as he stated:
“It is our collective responsibility to ensure the safety of ourselves and our loved ones during this rainy season. Let us all work together to prevent these unnecessary and heartbreaking loss of lives.”