Teen drowns in Odzi River

WHEN 16-year-old Nyasha Kwinje drowned while trying to cross a flooded Odzi River, his family barred police from searching for him as they believed that he had been taken by a mermaid and would be returned safely.

Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Tavhiringwa Kakohwa, said the incident occurred in Samushonga Village, which falls under Chief Mutasa’s area. “Nyasha, who was accompanied by his friend, Arnold, were on their way home when they attempted to cross the flooded Odzi River. Nyasha slipped and drowned.

“Arnold went to the Kwinje homestead and told Nyasha’s mother, Christine Mapunga, what had happened. They conducted a search the following day but could not find the teen’s body. “The police were alerted and attended the scene. However, they were turned away by family members who said Nyasha had been taken by a mermaid.”

On April 26, Blessing Mujaini (23) of the same village spotted Nyasha’s lifeless body floating in the river. “Police attended the scene and retrieved the body, which was at an advanced state of decomposition,” said Inspector Kakohwa. He urged people to desist from crossing flooded rivers.