Woman drowns in a well while fetching water

A 27-year-old woman from Mabhongwane village in Nkayi district fell into a 30-metre deep well and drowned while fetching water.

A relative who preferred anonymity yesterday said Sibonokuhle Moyo fell into the well and drowned at about 4pm on Thursday.

"The whole village is shocked. She went to fetch water at a well belonging to Ms Sibusiso Moyo's homestead in the company of her husband, Mr Jameson Mpofu and cousin Miss Grace Silempa," said the relative.

"While she was returning the bucket into the well, the rope rolled very fast and forcefully pulled her into the well."

The relative said Miss Silempa, shocked by what had happened, rushed to inform Ms Moyo and other villagers who retrieved the body. "What pains us is that Mr Mpofu lost his first wife a few years ago. We thought he had comfort in his new wife, Sibonokuhle, who has passed on again," said the relative.

Matabeleland North provincial police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Siphiwe Makonese confirmed the incident, which was reported at Nkayi Police Station.

"I confirm the incident which happened on 11 July at Sibusiso Moyo's homestead in Mabhongwane village under Chief Sikhobokhobo.

"The police attended the scene and no foul play is suspected. Nkayi resident magistrate Mr Ndumo Masuku waived the post-mortem," said Asst Insp Makonese.