Two brothers of Namanzuma fishing camp in chief Chipepo’s area in Gwembe district on Tuesday evening drowned after their canoe capsized in Lake Kariba following a strong wind.
Confirming the development in an interview, chairman for Chipepo chiefdom council, William Syamuvumbe, said the incident happened when the boys were leaving the fishing area they were patrolling in the afternoon.
Syamuvumbe named the two deceased brothers as 13-year-old Chiyewu Nyambe and Nyambe Nyambe, 19, both pupils at Chipepo Habour Community School.
“The body of Chiyewu has since been retrieved and buried while a combined team of the community, police and fisheries officers are still searching for Nyambe’s body as of early today (Thursday) morning,” said Syamuvumbe.
And Gwembe district commissioner, Alice Mwiinga, said it was unfortunate that the two brothers lost their lives prematurely.
She appealed to parents not to allow children to play around the lake despite challenges they might be facing to avoid losing young people’s lives.
“Despite Gwembe being a drought prone area, people shouldn’t take it for granted to allow their children to conduct fishing activities or play near the lake because it’s dangerous; there are crocodiles, even drowning like what has happened,” said Mwiinga.