Norman Dururu
GWERU – Two men drowned during a ritual ceremony at Clydesdale Dam in a tragic incident that has shocked Gweru residents.
The bodies of the two men were retrieved the following day after a full-scale rescue operation by police.
They were identified as Philemon Matavire (46) of Woodlands suburb in Gweru, and a traditional healer, Edwin Chingandu (33), popularly known as Sekuru Samaita, who had been performing the ceremony. The incident occurred while the group was reportedly conducting Manjuzu cleansing rituals at the dam.
Midlands provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko, said the two men were part of a group of 15 people who visited the dam on February 24, 2026, to perform traditional rituals.
“On the fateful day, 15 people, comprising 10 women and five men, went to the dam to conduct rituals. During the process, the two men drowned,” said Insp Mahoko.
Police, including officers from the Sub Aqua Unit, attended the scene. The bodies were retrieved on February 25 at around 10 a.m.
Following the incident, police reiterated calls for members of the public to exercise caution and avoid venturing into deep bodies of water, flooded rivers, and dams, especially during the rainy season.
Earlier this month, police in the Midlands revealed that they had recorded 37 rain-related accident deaths since the onset of the 2025/2026 rainy season.
This marks an increase of 20 deaths compared to the same period last year, when 17 cases were recorded during the 2024/2025 season.
In a related incident, police also reported another drowning at Manyasaland Dam, Coby Farm, in Wedza.
Two brothers, Munyaradzi Tambaoga (20) and Haggai Tambaoga (23), drowned while fishing on February 22. Their bodies were later retrieved by the ZRP Sub Aqua Unit on February 24.
Police continue to urge the public to prioritise safety and heed warnings when engaging in activities near bodies of water