Three people tragically drowned on Tuesday when the Ford Ranger Wildtrak they were travelling in was swept away while trying to cross the flooded Nyanyange River at a bridge along Mashava–Downlands Road.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) confirmed the incident, saying the driver managed to swim to safety, but three passengers sadly lost their lives. The ZRP said:
“The ZRP confirms a tragic incident in which three people lost their lives after a Ford Ranger Wildtrak they were travelling in was swept away while attempting to cross the flooded Nyanyange River at a bridge along Mashava–Downlands Road, Gweru, on 03/03/26.
“The driver of the vehicle managed to swim to safety while three passengers drowned. The bodies of the victims were retrieved on 04/03/26 and taken to Mvuma Hospital mortuary for post-mortem.”
Authorities report that, as of early February 2026, at least 118 people have died since the start of the season due to rainfall-related incidents.
Related:
Flooded Rivers Sweep Away Three, Leave Others Stranded In Matabeleland South
Nine People Drown After Passenger Drives Vehicle Onto Flooded Bridge In Filabusi