Gender and Community News
BULAWAYO – The body of a 53-year-old fisherman was recovered from Enkwalini Dam in Entumbane on Thursday, days after he was reported missing, with some community members speculating about the alleged involvement of water spirits, or “mermaids,” in his disappearance.
The deceased has been identified as Editor Hove from Cowdray Park. According to police, Hove was found floating in the dam with his fishing equipment. He had been reported missing prior to the discovery.
During the search efforts, relatives and community members performed traditional rituals at the dam in an attempt to communicate with water spirits to determine Hove’s fate. A community source stated that the family held out hope he was still alive during these ceremonies.
“The man was inside the river for three days and was found dead on Thursday floating on top of the river. The family had hope that he would come back alive because on Tuesday we went with them to perform their rituals and they said they managed to talk to him and the mermaid. Eight days later he was found dead floating on the river,” the source said.
Some residents noted that the family was known for practising ukuthwasa, a traditional Ndebele initiation process for aspiring healers. Others mentioned that Hove was a frequent fisherman at the dam.
Bulawayo police deputy spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Thandeka Ndlovu, confirmed that officers were called to the scene on August 28.
“At around 12:30 hours, police received information that there was something which appeared like a human body floating in Enkwalini Dam. Police reacted to the information and upon arrival, the body was retrieved by the Sub Aqua police unit and was confirmed to be Editor Hove, a male adult aged 53 years of Cowdray Park, Bulawayo,” said Ndlovu.
She added that Hove was found with fishing gear, including a sack of fish and a small axe. Ndlovu urged the public to exercise caution around water bodies to prevent similar tragedies.
Police investigations into the incident are ongoing.
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