By Staff Reporter
HARARE — Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume has ordered an immediate investigation into the deaths of three people who drowned in a waterlogged excavation pit at a sewer works site in Budiriro, demanding a comprehensive report within hours, the City of Harare said on Monday.
The tragedy unfolded during a search operation for a young man who was reported missing after allegedly falling into the mud-filled pit while walking home.
Emergency responders later recovered three bodies from the excavation site.
A sub-aqua rescue team led by Victor Kazembe, popularly known as Coach Rambo, worked alongside the City of Harare Fire Brigade to retrieve the bodies.
The first victim recovered was a young woman who had reportedly gone missing earlier in the evening.
A second body, that of a man, was subsequently recovered but was later found not to be the individual initially reported missing.
The third body recovered was that of the young man whose disappearance had triggered the search operation.
City of Harare spokesperson Stanley Gama confirmed that Mayor Mafume had ordered an urgent probe into the incident.
“His Worship the Mayor, Councillor Jacob Mafume, has ordered an immediate probe into the deaths of the three, saying he wants answers in the next few hours,” said Gama.
Gama also conveyed the municipality’s condolences to the bereaved families.
“The City of Harare extends its condolences to the families of the three. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families during this very difficult time,” he said.
Police and other relevant authorities have launched investigations into the circumstances surrounding the deaths, with further details expected once inquiries are completed.
Volunteer rescue organisation ConCERT assisted with coordination efforts at the scene alongside the City of Harare Fire Brigade.
Deputy Mayor Rose Muronda, Disaster Risk Management Committee chairperson Councillor Jane Bhingari, and councillors Pedzesai and Dzinomurumbi were among officials who remained at the scene until the early hours of Monday.
The tragedy has, however, sparked anger among residents, some of whom accused the local authority of failing to secure the sewer works site despite the area being frequently used by pedestrians.
“Council knew people were passing through this area every day. There were no barriers, no warning signs, nothing. Now three people are dead because of their negligence,” said Budiriro resident Tinashe Moyo.
Another resident, Constancia Chikwanha, said concerns about the site had been raised before the incident.
“We have been complaining about these open pits for weeks. The council only listens when people die. Our leaders must be held accountable for this carelessness,” she said.
The investigation ordered by Mayor Mafume is expected to establish the circumstances that led to the deaths and determine whether safety procedures at the sewer works site were adequately followed.
