Itai Mazire
A devastating pre-dawn crossing of Ruti Dam in Buhera ended in tragedy, with a four-year-old girl confirmed dead and three other family members feared drowned after their fibreglass canoe capsized.
The body of Moreblessing Zvoushe (4) was discovered floating in the dam at around 0400 hours by a local fisherman, Thomas Gojo, of Mbuya Mhengi Village, Chief Nyashanu.
The child was among four relatives attempting to cross the approximately 500-metre stretch of water from Gutu to Buhera at about 0300 hours to catch a bus from Ndyarima Business Centre to Harare.
The three missing persons have been identified as Modreck Rufu, Tecla Rufu and Peacemaker Zvoushe, all from Rufu village under Chief Mazuru, Gutu.
Sources indicate that Modreck Rufu was ferrying his sister Tecla and her two children across the dam when the fibreglass canoe capsized shortly after setting off.
The group had reportedly informed a local fisherman of their plan before embarking on the ill-fated journey.
National Police Spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the tragedy.
“The ZRP confirms a tragic drowning incident at Ruti Dam, Buhera on 20 June 2026, in which a four year old female juvenile, Moreblessing Zvoushe lost her life after a canoe carrying four people is suspected to have capsized while crossing the dam.”
“Three other occupants are still missing and are suspected to have drowned. Police Sub Aqua teams are still at the scene. More details to be released in due course.”
