Tinotenda Hove – Two men drowned at Clydesdale Dam in a tragic incident that occurred during a traditional ceremony earlier this week.

The deceased have been identified as Philemon Matawire (46), a well-known mobile phone dealer, and Edwin Chingandu (33), a traditional healer popularly known as Sekuru Samaita. The two were reportedly conducting Manzuzu rituals at the dam on 24 February when they were swept beneath the water under unclear circumstances.

They were part of a group of 15 people — 10 women and five men — who had gathered at the dam seeking improved fortunes through spiritual rites.

One participant, who asked not to be named, described the moment the incident occurred.
“It was like nothing I have ever seen before. We were all standing there as the traditional healer and the other deceased were in the water, when suddenly this whirlwind appeared out of nowhere. It hovered over the water, and then… then it just sucked them in,” he said.

The witness added that there had been no warning signs prior to the tragedy.
Midlands provincial police spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko confirmed the incident, saying

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms two cases of sudden death in which two men drowned at Clydesdale Dam in Gweru on 24 February 2025.”

“The now deceased men met their fate while allegedly carrying out traditional rituals.”
Police officers, including members of the Sub Aqua Unit, attended the scene and retrieved the bodies the following morning at around 10am.
Authorities have since urged members of the public to avoid taking unnecessary risks by entering deep waters or flooded rivers and dams.