Heartbreaking Flooding Crisis: Five Family Members Trapped in Ndolwane.

Ndolwane, Plumtree -  A desperate plea for assistance has been issued by villagers in Bhutshe, Ndolwane, where five family members have been trapped on an island in the flooded Thekwane River since Sunday. The situation is becoming increasingly dire as rising waters continue to engulf their makeshift refuge. http:// https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaJBte43bbV50PSJqU20

The incident occurred on December 21, 2025, when the family attempted to cross the river in a donkey-drawn cart after harvesting mopane worms. The river surged unexpectedly, sweeping away their donkeys and leaving them stranded.

The trapped family members have been identified as:

- Lethiwe (born 1977)
- Wiseman (born 2009)
- Marylene (born 2010)
- Bhorongi (14 years old)
- Gogo Na Trial (date of birth unknown)

Witnesses describe scenes of panic along the riverbanks, where villagers have gathered in distress, keeping a vigil and praying for a rescue. Despite reporting the situation to local police multiple times, villagers have expressed frustration over the lack of action, claiming authorities are awaiting assistance from the Civil Protection Unit (CPU).

"Every minute counts; hunger is setting in, and some of them are on medication," said one villager. Efforts to reach the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) in Ndolwane for comment were unsuccessful.

The incident occurs amid widespread flooding throughout the region, exacerbated by a week of relentless rain that has caused extensive damage to homes, roads, and infrastructure. Communities are increasingly vulnerable, and local residents are urgently calling on authorities to respond before it's too late.