Man suffocates in a 7,5 metre deep well

A 40-year-old Mutoko man suffocated last week after inhaling carbon monoxide from an engine he was using to drain water from a 7,5 metre deep well.

Acting Mashonaland East police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Nobert Muzondo confirmed the incident.

"We received a report following the death of James Kanenungo of Chingwaru village under Chief Charehwa who died after suffocating from the smoke produced by a water pump engine he was using to drain water from the well.

"We are conducting investigations to ascertain what really transpired," he said.

On the fateful day, Kanenungo was draining water from a well at his homestead in the company of Tonderai Mabhiza (27) and Jonathan Katsukunyu (29).

It is reported that Kanenungo decided to take the water pump inside the well. As he was busy operating the engine, it is alleged that Kanenungo suffocated after inhaling the fumes.

Upon discovering that Kanenungo had died, Mabhiza and Katsukunyu managed to pull out the water pump from the well using a rope and Mabhiza then entered the well in a bid to rescue Kanenungo.

It is reported that while inside the well Mabhiza was choked too and fainted prompting Katsukunyu to call for help. Two unidentified men came and helped to rescue Mabhiza.

A report was made to Mutoko Police who attended the scene and rushed Mabhiza to Kagande Clinic.