Gokwe family drowns while taking sick 7-day old baby to hospital

By Staff Reporter
A family from Gokwe died after a canoe they were using to cross Sanyati River, capsized in the middle of the river drowning the whole family which was travelling to a local hospital seeking medical attention for their sick child.
Police spokesperson in Midlands Emmanuel Mahoko confirmed the tragedy.
“Police is investigating a case of sudden death by drowning in which a family of three was swept away by Sanyati River in Gokwe. The incident occurred on 21 January 2024 around 1700hrs,” he said.
On the fateful day Simbarashe Kanyonde (27) of Mutukani Village under Chief Chireya and his wife Lucia Dzimba (23) and their baby girl aged 7 days were on their way to Chidamoyo Hospital to seek treatment for the ill baby.
“When they reached Sanyati River, the boarded a Canoe intending to cross to the other side. It is alleged, the Canoe capsized in the middle of the river and the family was swept away,” said Mahoko.
It has been gathered that the villagers found the body of Lucia with the baby tied to her back floating in the river.
Police from Nembudziya attended the scene and took the two bodies to Gokwe North District Hospital while Simbarashe’s body is yet to be located, with searches ongoing.
Meanwhile, Mahoko has urged members of the public to desist from crossing flooded rivers to avoid unnecessary loss of life.