A KENYAN couple suspected to be illegal immigrants is feared to have drowned in the Zambezi River.

The couple allegedly jumped off a canoe that is suspected to have been illegally taking them into Zimbabwe from Zambia on June 9.

Zambian police say the unnamed couple was frightened when a snake appeared and began swimming alongside the canoe.

The two had allegedly approached a Zambian who reportedly assists illegal immigrants to cross into Zimbabwe in a canoe.

The Officer Commanding Livingstone Police, Senior Superintendant Kashina Kashinazha reported the case to the Zimbabwe Republic Police seeking a joint search.

“Two people who are suspected to be boyfriend and girlfriend are feared dead. We suspect the two Kenyans saw a snake while in the boat and jumped into water and were swept away,” said Snr Supt Kashinazha.

Zimbabwe and Zambia share the border along the Zambezi River.

Zambian police have been searching for the bodies on Gorges six up to 10 to no avail. Salani Ncube, Chronicle Reporter