The Zambezi River continues to claim the lives of many in the Caprivi Region. Barely a week had passed since the drowning of a young girl at Namwi Island and three other people drowned last week in two separate incidents.

Two boys believed to be both 7 years old drowned at Musanga on the outskirts of Katima Mulilo in a Zambezi river stream last week Wednesday after their dugout canoe took on water and capsized. They were identified as Simasiku Petrus and Mushanana Mushanana. Their bodies were both recovered by the police. It is believed they tried to cross the stream by canoe on their way from school. One other boy was rescued by a bystander.

Sepiso Natasha Mapenzi (23) also drowned at Lake Liambezi the following day last Thursday. Mapenzi who was travelling with two other colleagues in a dugout canoe did not manage to swim to safety after the canoe capsized. Two of her colleagues managed to make it to safety after the canoe, which was overloaded capsized due to strong winds. Her body was recovered the same day by the police. Meanwhile, a man believed to be mentally disturbed, Mushwena Nicco (28) committed suicide by hanging himself in a church in the informal settlement of Cowboy last Thursday night. According to the police, Mushwena is alleged to have asked for the keys to the church after prayers and his body was later found hanging from a rope in the church.