Source: 3 bodies recovered from Budiriro sewer pond – herald
Remember Deketeke-Herald Correspondent
CONCERNS over Harare City Council’s alleged negligence have intensified in Budiriro 3 suburb after three bodies were recovered from a sewer pond that residents say had remained open, unmarked and unsecured for months.
The tragedy unfolded after a young man, who had been walking with a friend along a narrow pathway near the site, disappeared into the sludge-filled pit on Sunday.
His disappearance triggered a community search that later led to an even more disturbing discovery — two additional bodies in the same excavation.
Residents say the pond is part of a stalled sewer rehabilitation project by the City of Harare, which was reportedly left unattended since early this year.
They claim no barricades, warning signs or protective fencing were put in place, despite the site sitting dangerously close to residential homes.
By Sunday evening, rescue teams, assisted by community volunteers and a diver, had retrieved three bodies from the contaminated pit.
Authorities later indicated that identification documents belonging to other individuals were also recovered, raising fears that more victims could have been affected.
Residents described the area as a long-standing hazard. Some said the council had occasionally resumed work on a different section of the project, but the original excavation remained exposed and accessible to people, including children.
While official comment from Harare City leadership was not immediately available, residents have blamed the tragedy on what they describe as poor safety management and failure to secure public works sites.
A diver involved in the recovery operation said the conditions were extremely hazardous due to the depth and consistency of the sludge, noting that the search became progressively difficult as more bodies were discovered during retrieval efforts.
He said the operation extended for several hours under dangerous conditions.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police has confirmed the incident and has launched investigations into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said: “The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms the death of three people who drowned in a pit filled with sewer sludge in Budiriro 3 New Stands, Harare, on June 7, 2026.”
Comm Nyathi gave details of how the first victim fell into the pit.
“One of the victims, Saul Karakadzai (19) and his friend were walking along a narrow pathway when they passed through the sludge pit measuring approximately three metres deep, seven metres long and two metres wide.
“Saul Karakadzai accidentally fell into the pit and drowned. The friend alerted nearby residents and the police, who swiftly responded to assist in retrieving the victim.
“During the retrieval process, two other bodies were discovered in the pit.”
Comm Nyathi confirmed that all three bodies had been recovered and taken for post-mortem examinations.
“The three bodies have since been retrieved and taken to Sally Mugabe Hospital mortuary for post-mortem. More details will be released in due course,” Comm Nyathi said.
Residents say the incident has exposed broader concerns about abandoned or poorly managed municipal projects, particularly in high-density suburbs where open excavations can remain unguarded for long periods.
As investigations continue, the tragedy has left the Budiriro community shaken, with calls growing for accountability and urgent review of safety standards on public works sites.
ZANU PF Harare Provincial Chairman Cde Godwills Masimirembwa visited the scene and encouraged council to close all open pits to avoid endangering lives.
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