A 42-year-old woman, Violet Kandu, has died after being swept away by running water as she was trying to cross Mafufuli River in the area of Senior Chief Malemia in Zomba.

Zomba Police Public Relations Officer Patricia Sipiliano said the incident happened yesterday when the deceased was trying to cross the river on her way from a tree planting initiative at Kapyepye hills.

Sipiliano said the deceased’s sister Betty Mumba reported the matter to Domasi Police who instituted a search and the body was discovered later in the day.

Sipiliano said a postmorten revealed that she died due to suffocation.

The police are since advising communities to avoid crossing rivers, especially now, when rains are in progress.