MOUNT DARWIN – A tragic accident in Mt Darwin has claimed the life of a 45-year-old woman, highlighting the dangers that can lurk in seemingly ordinary bushy areas. Dorica Kanyama, from Mutungagore, lost her life after falling into a concealed pit while attempting to relieve herself in a rural area.
The incident occurred on October 23, when Kanyama was walking with her husband in a sparsely wooded area. According to Mashonaland Central deputy police spokesperson Lucy Chigwenhese, the woman stepped aside from the path to answer the call of nature, unaware of the hidden danger beneath her feet.
“The woman accidentally fell headfirst into a five-metre-deep pit that was hidden by grass and foliage,” Chigwenhese explained. The depth and concealment of the pit meant that it was virtually impossible to see, even in daylight.
Kanyama’s screams alerted her husband, who rushed to the scene in an attempt to rescue her. Villagers from the surrounding area joined the effort, helping to pull her from the pit. Unfortunately, she had sustained serious head injuries and was bleeding heavily by the time she was retrieved. She was immediately rushed to Mt Darwin Hospital, but despite the emergency response, she was pronounced dead upon arrival.
The shocking incident has sent ripples through the local community, as villagers mourn the sudden and preventable loss of a beloved family member. Neighbours described Kanyama as a hardworking and devoted mother, wife, and member of the community, whose death has left her family and community in deep grief.
Authorities have urged the public to exercise extreme caution when walking in bushy or unfamiliar areas, particularly in rural parts of the country where hazards such as hidden pits, open wells, and unmarked ditches are common. Police spokesperson Chigwenhese stressed that the accident underscores the importance of vigilance and awareness of one’s surroundings.
Tragic Accident Claims Life of Woman in Mt Darwin
“While rural life offers natural beauty and serenity, it also comes with hidden dangers,” Chigwenhese said. “We urge people to avoid walking in poorly lit or overgrown areas alone and to always be aware of potential hazards that may not be immediately visible.”
Such incidents, though rare, highlight the broader safety challenges faced by rural communities in Zimbabwe. Hidden pits, often left unattended after construction or farming activities, pose a serious risk, especially in areas where natural overgrowth can mask them. Local authorities have called for proper marking or covering of open pits to prevent further tragedies.
Dorica Kanyama’s passing serves as a sobering reminder of the fragile balance between everyday life and hidden dangers in rural areas. While her family and neighbours grieve, her story has sparked wider discussions about rural safety, particularly for women and children who often traverse bushy areas for domestic or personal needs.
In the aftermath of the accident, residents are reportedly taking extra precautions, staying closer to cleared paths and avoiding walking alone in overgrown areas. Community leaders are also considering initiatives to identify and secure potentially dangerous pits or holes in the area to prevent similar accidents in the future.
The Mt Darwin tragedy underscores the need for heightened awareness, both by residents and authorities, to ensure that rural environments remain as safe as possible. While Kanyama’s death cannot be undone, her story serves as an urgent call for vigilance, proper hazard marking, and community education on safety in natural and overgrown areas.
Woman’s family mourns, authorities continue to remind the public that even everyday activities, such as taking a walk or answering the call of nature in secluded areas, can carry unexpected risks. By exercising caution and remaining aware of hidden dangers, communities can help prevent similar heartbreaking incidents in the future.
Source- Bulawayo24
