Zim GBC News | Midlands Correspondent
GWERU – A traditional ritual ceremony at Clydesdale Dam in Gweru ended in tragedy on Monday after two men drowned in the water. The incident, which occurred on February 24, has left a family in mourning and one body awaiting identification at the city mortuary.
Midlands provincial police spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko confirmed the incident, stating that the group had gathered at the dam for cultural purposes when the situation turned deadly.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms two cases of sudden death in which two men drowned at Clydesdale Dam, Gweru, on 24 February 2025,” said Inspector Mahoko.
Providing further details on the circumstances, he explained the size of the group and the nature of their visit.
“It is alleged that on the fateful day, 15 people — 10 women and five men — went to the dam to conduct traditional rituals. During the ritual processes, the two men drowned in the dam.”
Recovery Operation
Following a report of the incident, police officers, including members of the specialized Sub Aqua Unit, were dispatched to the scene. The recovery operation concluded the following day when the bodies of the two men were retrieved from the water.
One of the deceased has since been identified by family members as Philemon Matavire (46) of Woodlands, Gweru. The second body remains unidentified and is currently housed at the Gweru City mortuary awaiting claims.
Inspector Mahoko confirmed that investigations into the incident are still in progress as authorities seek to understand the full sequence of events that led to the drownings.
Police Warning
In the wake of the incident, the police have issued a stern warning to the public regarding the dangers of water bodies. Inspector Mahoko urged citizens to exercise caution.
“Once again, we remind members of the public not to take risks by venturing into deep water bodies or flooded rivers and dams,” he said.
The warning comes as Zimbabwe continues to experience varied weather patterns, with water levels in dams and rivers remaining a hazard for swimmers and those conducting activities near water.
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