Tragic incident claims lives of police officers and infant daughter in devastating river crossing accident
In a heart-wrenching incident, two police officers and their four-month-old daughter lost their lives after their vehicle was swept away while attempting to cross the flooded Kana River.
The incident occurred on the road between Gomoza in Lupane and Kambe in Manoti, Gokwe.
The victims have been identified as Moses Manyongodo, a 35-year-old police constable stationed at ZRP Lupane Traffic, his 30-year-old wife Detective Constable Ireen Muzamba, and their infant daughter, Hellen Manyongodo.
According to reports, Manyongodo was driving towards Kambe Business Centre in Manoti when they encountered the flooded Kana River. Despite the dangerous conditions, he proceeded to drive the vehicle into the river in an effort to cross. Sadly, as they reached the middle of the bridge, the force of the current proved too strong, causing the vehicle to be swept away for approximately 45 meters before becoming submerged in the water. Tragically, all three victims drowned inside the vehicle.
Miraculously, two other passengers, aged 19 and 5, managed to escape from the Ford Ranger and swim to safety. The survivors were fortunate to escape the harrowing ordeal.
Manyongodo, who was off duty at the time, and his wife, who was on maternity leave, leave behind a grieving community and colleagues who are deeply saddened by the loss.
The bodies of the victims have been transported to the Gokwe South District Hospital mortuary as authorities investigate the incident.
This heartrending tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by extreme weather conditions and the importance of exercising caution when faced with such circumstances. The loss of two dedicated police officers and an innocent infant has cast a somber cloud over the community, leaving family, friends, and colleagues mourning the untimely loss of their loved ones.
