By Staff Reporter
Kadoma – A Kadoma man tragically lost his life while trying to rescue his colleagues from a sewer manhole.
Godfrey Kawocho, an employee of Kadoma City Council, succumbed to suffocation while attempting to save fellow workers Julius Simoko and Cassim Saidi, who had entered the manhole while on duty.
The incident occurred near Rimuka Stadium, where the trio was tasked with working on a main manhole.
Simoko is believed to have been overcome by toxic gases that had accumulated in the long-unused facility.
Kawocho, in a selfless act of bravery, attempted to assist Simoko but was also affected by the harmful fumes and was unable to escape.
Simoko and Cassim were hospitalized but have since recovered, while Kawocho’s family is mourning their loss.
After the incident, Simoko and Cassim were admitted at Queen Mary Private Hospital and have since been discharged.
Kawocho’s family was deeply saddened by the loss.
Sewer manhole where heroic Kawocho made the ultimate sacrifice
Tonderai Gomo, the family spokesperson said they are shocked by the death of their beloved kin.
“I received the news and never suspected it was him.
“I automatically assumed it was his brother Godknows who had been struck by tragedy in South Africa, where he works.
“When I confirmed it was Godfrey, I couldn’t believe it,” said Gomo.
“Up to now, we are finding it hard to believe this in the manner it happened.
“He wanted to work for his family and accumulate assets to himself.
“He was talking of having a plot and running projects there,” added Gomo.
Despite the severity of the incident, Kadoma City Council officials have been evasive in providing clear explanations or taking responsibility.
Mayor Nigel Ruzario, chamber secretary Willard Mangwengwende, and town clerk Malvin Dondo have been unresponsive to inquiries.
Even the city health director, who was physically present at Kawocho’s burial, failed to provide any meaningful information.
As of now, an official medical post mortem report on the cause of death has not been made public.
Kawocho is survived by his wife, Virginia Kanyepi-Kawocho, and their five children.
Source- H Metro
