Two bodies have been retrieved after an Isuzu twin cab was swept away attempting to cross a flooded Gweru River this Monday.

The vehicle, which is believed to have been carrying six passengers including the driver, was swept away around 5am this Monday.

The local provincial response taskforce had to engage a private player to retrieve the bodies and the vehicle that was swept away during the sad incident.

Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Midlands provincial spokesperson Inspector Emanuel Mahoko explains the rescue operations that have been carried out so far.

“I can confirm that we received news that a vehicle was swept away yesterday. Rescue operations are currently being carried out and we have so far managed to retrieve two bodies.

“I would like to appeal to the public to exercise extreme caution and not try to attempt to cross flooded rivers as this could result in loss of lives,” he said.

Head of the Midlands Province Civil Protection Department, who is also Gweru District Administrator, Mr Jorum Chimedza, said efforts are now underway to establish the whereabouts of the other four passengers believed to have been in the vehicle at the time of the accident.

“It is a very difficult moment for the Gweru community. We understand that six people were in the vehicle when the incident took place. We are still waiting for the Sub Aqua Unit to come and search for the other people believed to be the vehicle at the time of the incident.

“They have been attending ton similar incidents that happened along Runde River, but we believe today they will show up and offer assistance,” he said.

Heavy rains have been pounding across the country recently resulting in most rivers getting flooded amid calls for motorists to exercise extreme caution when faced with flooded rivers.

-State Media