The community of Mashau Matsindevhe has been left reeling after the drowning of Mr Dacious Rambau (35), whose body was recovered from a local dam on 21 September.
Rambau, who was unemployed, was known for making a living by fishing in the dam. He would keep some of his catch for himself and sell the rest to villagers. On the day of the tragedy, he went fishing with a friend. It is alleged that he waded into the water, got into difficulty and disappeared beneath the surface.
News of his drowning spread quickly, drawing large crowds from the village and surrounding areas to the dam.
The incident has sparked anger in the community, with residents demanding action to make the dam safer. Mr Samuel Mubvafhi said the dam had already claimed many lives and called for it to be fenced off. "Many children risk their lives swimming in these dangerous waters, and the worst is still to come if nothing is done here," he said.
Rambau's sister, Ms Virginia Rambau, said she had last spoken to him the day before the incident. "He was in good spirits, and I was shocked to receive the news. He was very close to us as a brother and even served as a father figure. He has left a big void in our hearts, and we are really in pain," she said.
Police spokesperson W/O Vuledzani Dathi urged residents not to swim or fish in deep waters because of the risk of drowning and possible attacks by crocodiles and hippos.
Rambau will be buried on Saturday, 27 September, at Mashau Matsindevhe.