Four Schoolgirls Drown At Chegutu Dam, Two Suspects Arrested

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) is investigating the deaths of four schoolgirls who drowned at Petra Dam in Chegutu on the night of 18 October 2026.

The victims have been identified as Letty Sedrick, 14, Tadiwa Phiri, 15, Faith Woda, 13, and Mercy Tembo, 14. Reports indicate that the girls were fishing with a mosquito net when they were confronted by seven individuals who accused them of fishing illegally.

One of the boys who was with the girls was allegedly assaulted with a switch and open hands after attempting to flee. He managed to swim across the dam, with another boy following him, while the four girls remained behind.

The girls are believed to have attempted to swim to the opposite bank but failed to make it across. Their bodies were retrieved on 19 October.

Police have since arrested two suspects, aged 16 and 19, who are assisting investigators. Efforts are underway to locate the remaining five suspects as investigations continue.