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Thupeyo Muleya Beitbridge Bureau
Two men are marooned in the Mtshabezi River in Siyoka area some 100km west of Beitbridge town after their Nissan Truck was swept away early today as they attempted to cross the flooded river.

The men who are yet to be identified managed to swim and climb on some tall trees in the river where they are still patched.

The incident occurred at around 1 am and the two have been on top of trees since then.

The bridge is partially broken and already the Rural Development Committee is working on getting a contractor to fix the damages.

It links most villages in Beitbridge West with the border town and Gwanda.

According to a villager from Siyoka , Mr Morris Mhlanga, they have since notified the local Civil Protection Unit for help.

“The two were travelling towards Madzivhe area when the truck was swept away off a damaged bridge.

We are still on the scene waiting for help and our worry is that those trees might be swept away as water levels continue to rise,” said Mr Mhlanga.
He said the villagers were afraid of getting into the water where levels continue to rise.
Mr Mhlanga said the truck had been stuck between two trees in the river.

District Civil Protection Unit chairperson, Mrs Sikhangazile Mafu Moyo said they were now organising a rescue team to help the two men.

“We are now working on sending a rapid response team on the ground and are also engaging the army to provide a helicopter if need be,” she said.