By Advent Shoko
A horrifying decision turned deadly in Filabusi, Matabeleland South, when a passenger in a Toyota Noah, left unsupervised by the driver, foolishly drove into the flooded Tshangamutope River on 22 January 2026, sweeping away all nine occupants. The driver had briefly exited the vehicle to check the river’s water level, leaving the keys in the ignition. The vehicle was immediately engulfed, trapping everyone inside.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) confirmed the details, saying:
“The ZRP confirms a tragic incident in which nine people drowned after a Toyota Noah vehicle was swept away while attempting to cross a flooded Tshangamutope River, Mukula area, Filabusi, on 22/01/2026 at around 2200 hours. The driver had stopped the vehicle and disembarked to assess the water level, leaving the keys in the ignition. One of the passengers then drove the vehicle into the flooded bridge, where it was swept away and submerged, trapping all the occupants. On 23 /01/2026, bodies were retrieved with the assistance of the community. The victims comprise five female adults, two male adults, one female juvenile and a male toddler. Two of the victims have been positively identified, while efforts to identify the remaining victims are ongoing. Bodies were conveyed to Filabusi District Hospital mortuary for post-mortem.”
The victims’ identities are slowly emerging. Among the dead are five women, two men, a young girl, and a male toddler. Police are working closely with local communities and authorities to identify the remaining seven victims. Residents, shaken by the tragedy, helped in the recovery of the bodies and described the scene as “heartbreaking and surreal,” with belongings and soaked clothing littered along the riverbanks.
Authorities warned that such incidents are preventable. River crossings during the rainy season remain extremely hazardous, especially when drivers underestimate the strength of floodwaters or leave vehicles unattended. The ZRP emphasized that human error and poor judgment are often the deadliest factors in flash-flood deaths.
Filabusi, like many parts of Matabeleland South, faces increasingly unpredictable rainfall, which swells rivers rapidly and catches travellers off guard. Community leaders are urging vigilance, responsible driving, and strict adherence to safety warnings to prevent further loss of life.
The post-mortems were conducted at Filabusi District Hospital, and police investigations continue to establish the full circumstances of the tragedy. Officials have promised further updates as more information becomes available.
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