By Desire Tshuma
Harare– The Zimbabwe Republic Police has confirmed the arrest of four City of Harare officials following the deaths of three Budiriro residents in an uncovered sewer pit on 7 June 2026.
In a statement dated 12 June 2026, police named the victims as Saul Karakadzai, 19, Talita Munda, 17, and Vimbanashe Shalom Chihota, 34, all from New Stands in Budiriro 3 Extension, with identities confirmed by next of kin.
Police said Engineer Tapiwa Richard Kunyadini, 58, Moses Dicko, 57, Thomas Rwakatiwana, 52, and Tineyi Chihwai, 41, have been arrested for negligently causing the deaths through acts of omission and commission. The four are expected to face charges linked to the failure to secure the hazardous site.
The recovery operation relied on the courage of local diver Victor Kazembe, popularly known as “Coach Rambo”, who entered the thick sewage after believing only one body was trapped and retrieved all three victims from the same drain.
His act has drawn widespread praise from residents and community leaders. Businessman Wicknel Chivhayo has honoured Kazembe’s heroism with an Aqua motor vehicle and $20,000 cash.
The ZRP extended condolences to the bereaved families and said investigations into the circumstances surrounding the deaths are ongoing. The Budiriro incident has renewed calls for the City of Harare to urgently address open and poorly maintained sewer infrastructure in high-density suburbs, where residents say exposed pits and manholes pose a constant danger.