Man Dies after Drowning in Stream while Drunk

A 39-year-old man has died in Rumphi district after drowning in South Rukuru river.

The district’s deputy Police public relations officer, Sergeant Tupeliwe Kabwilo confirmed of the incident saying it occurred on August 10th, 2019 at Bale area in Rumphi district.

The deceased has been identified as Boston Harawa of Yauma Village under Traditional Authority Mwankhunikira in the district.

According to reports, on the day of the incident the deceased went to Bale to drink beer. On his way back home around 20:00 hours, he wanted to pass through a wooden bridge called Kandewe which is in bad condition.

He eventually fell off from the bridge about 4 meters higher into the water and drowned.

The matter was reported to police and scene of incident was visited together with medical personnel.

Postmortem results showed that death was due to suffocation.

Police have appealed to members of community to avoid passing on unconditional bridges whenever drunk.