Four City of Harare employees have been arrested and charged with culpable homicide following the deaths of three residents who drowned after falling into an unprotected sewer drainage pit in Budiriro.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) confirmed the arrests in a statement released on Friday, identifying the suspects as Engineer Tapiwa Richard Kunyadini (58), Moses Dicko (57), Thomas Rwakatiwana (52), and Tineyi Chihwai (41). Police allege the four negligently caused the deaths through acts of omission and commission that led to the tragic incident.
According to police, the victims were positively identified by their next of kin as Saul Karakadzai (19), Talita Munda (17), and Vimbanashe Shalom Chihota (34), all residents of New Stands, Budiriro 3 Extension, Harare.
The three lost their lives on 7 June 2026 after falling into a sewer drainage pit that residents say had been left exposed without proper barricades, warning tape, or safety signage.
Responding to the arrests, City of Harare spokesperson Stanley Gama confirmed the development, saying council officials are cooperating with law enforcement as investigations continue.
“The City of Harare can confirm the arrests of our employees in connection with the Budiriro incident. The matter is now before the courts, and we are fully cooperating with the police investigations,” said Gama.
The tragedy has triggered widespread outrage and renewed scrutiny over the city’s infrastructure maintenance and public safety enforcement. Residents and civic groups have questioned how such a hazardous site could remain accessible to the public without basic safety measures.
The four suspects are expected to appear in court as investigations continue into one of Harare’s deadliest recent infrastructure-related incidents
