By Admore Mbonda in Kariba
Kariba — The close-knit community of Charara Banana Farm in Kariba is in mourning following the tragic drowning of 43-year-old Kashamo Fresher in the Chawara River last week, a death that has sparked concern over public safety during this rainy season.
Fresher, a well-known figure in the area, was spending the evening with friends at the National Anglers Association of Zimbabwe when he received an alarming phone call on 14 February 2025 around 6:00 PM.
His friend warned him that the Chawara River was rapidly rising due to heavy rainfall, but Fresher, perhaps not fully grasping the danger, decided to leave the bar and head home. Tragically, he never made it back.
“His friends assumed he had safely returned home, but as the hours passed without hearing from him, their worry deepened.
Sadly, Fresher’s body was later found along the riverbank, where he was positively identified by local resident Shungu Dombo,” confirmed Inspector Ian Kowere, the Zimbabwe Republic Police Spokesperson for Mashonaland West.
The heartache of the community is palpable as they come to terms with this senseless loss. Friends and family are left wondering if the warning had been taken more seriously, if a different choice could have spared Kashamo’s life. His body was transported to Kariba Hospital Mortuary for a post-mortem.
This tragedy highlights the ever-present danger of swollen rivers, especially during the rainy season. With public safety on everyone’s mind, Inspector Kowere called on citizens to exercise extreme caution around flooded waterways.
“It’s crucial to wait until the water levels subside before attempting to cross any swollen rivers. Makeshift rafts and canoes can be deadly, sweeping people away,” he warned.
The nation is grappling with the consequences of this particularly dangerous rainy season. Nationwide, 40 people have drowned since the rains began, including seven children.
One heartbreaking incident involved a five-year-old girl from Donkwe Primary School in Matabeleland South, who was tragically swept away by a flooded stream as she made her way home from school last Friday.
For the people of Charara Banana Farm, Kashamo Fresher’s death serves as a stark reminder of the risks posed by the seasonal rains.
As his loved ones gather to mourn, local authorities and community members are calling for more awareness and caution to prevent further unnecessary loss.
The echoes of grief from this small community serve as a somber plea to others: in times of heavy rain, safety must come first.
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