4 City of Harare workers arrested over Budiriro sewer pond deaths

HARARE – Police have named the three people who drowned in a sewer pond in Budiriro, Harare, on June 7, 2026, and confirmed the arrest of four Harare City Council officials in connection with their deaths.

Police identified the victims as Saul Karakadzai, 19, Talita Munda, 17, and Vimbanashe Shalom Chihota, 34, all of New Stands, Budiriro 3 Extension.

National police spokesman Commissioner Paul Nyathi said four council officials have been arrested “for negligently causing the three deaths through acts of omission and commission leading to the tragic incident.”

They are Engineer Tapiwa Richard Kunyadini, 58, Moses Dicko, 57, Thomas Rwakatiwana, 52, and Tineyi Chihwai, 41.

The three people died hours apart after falling into the open sewer pond caused by incomplete excavation by the local authority.