Body of missing Mwenezi nurse found after 19 days in flooded river

Community members retrieving the body from the Muchingwizi River.

HARARE – The body of a 64-year-old nurse from Mwenezi, Frank Siziba, has been recovered nearly three weeks after the flooded Muchingwizi River swept him away. Police confirmed that Siziba’s remains were discovered on Wednesday, March 25, about five kilometres downstream from a river crossing point where he is believed to have been carried away.

According to Kudakwashe Dhewa, the Masvingo provincial police spokesperson, the body was found at around 7 am by the deceased’s son.

“The body was discovered trapped between tree roots along the riverbank,” Dhewa said.

Authorities noted that the remains were in an advanced state of decomposition, but family members were able to identify Siziba through his wristwatch and clothing.

Siziba had been missing since the evening of March 6. He was last seen at Matibi Business Centre, where he had been socialising. Witnesses said he left around 10 pm after having supper at a friend’s home. He reportedly told the friend that he was heading to meet his wife, Shorai Zheke, who had earlier gone to a church service in Chapwanya Village. However, when Zheke returned home the following morning, she discovered that her husband had not arrived.

After initial searches by family members proved unsuccessful, a missing person report was filed with police, triggering a wider search operation. The search continued for 19 days before the tragic discovery this week. Police believe Siziba may have attempted to cross the flooded river at night, a risky undertaking given the recent heavy rains that have caused rivers across Masvingo Province to swell.

Authorities have urged members of the public to avoid crossing flooded rivers, particularly at night, as water levels remain dangerously high in many areas.

“Flooded rivers pose a serious risk, even to strong swimmers,” Dhewa said. “We urge communities to exercise extreme caution and use designated safe crossing points where available.”

The death has left the Mwenezi community in mourning, with residents describing Siziba as a dedicated health worker who served his community for many years. His death adds to a growing number of incidents linked to flooding during the rainy season, highlighting ongoing risks in rural areas where infrastructure such as bridges remains limited.

Mwenezi nurse found dead