Four Harare City Council Officials Arrested Over Budiriro Sewer Pit Deaths

HARARE – Police have arrested four Harare City Council officials in connection with the deaths of three residents who drowned after falling into an open sewer sludge pit in Budiriro earlier this month.

Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrests on Friday, saying the suspects are facing allegations of negligently causing death through acts of omission and commission that allegedly contributed to the fatal incident. The arrested officials have been identified as Engineer Tapiwa Richard Kunyadini (58), Moses Dicko (57), Thomas Rwakatiwana (52), and Tineyi Chihwai (41).

Commissioner Nyathi identified the victims as Saul Karakadzai (19), Vimbanashe Shalom Chihota (34), and Talita Munda (17), all residents of New Stands, Budiriro 3 Extension in Harare.

The three victims died after falling into a water- and sewage-filled excavation pit that had reportedly been left exposed during sewer infrastructure works. The tragedy sparked widespread public outrage and renewed scrutiny of safety standards at municipal construction and maintenance sites across the capital. Police allege that negligence by officials responsible for the project may have contributed to the deaths.

The arrests come as authorities continue investigating the circumstances surrounding the fatal incident. Earlier this week, Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe announced that both police and independent investigations had been launched to establish accountability and determine whether criminal negligence played a role in the tragedy. Garwe described the incident as preventable and blamed failures in safety procedures and enforcement. The minister said those responsible for leaving the site unsecured would face the full force of the law.

Prior to the police announcement, City of Harare spokesperson Stanley Gama confirmed that council employees had been taken into custody in connection with the case. Gama said the officials had been charged with culpable homicide following the deaths. The latest police statement, however, indicates that four council officials have now been arrested as investigations progress. Authorities have not yet disclosed whether additional arrests are expected.

The Budiriro sewer pit disaster has generated significant public concern over the condition of municipal infrastructure and the management of public works projects in Harare. Residents and civic organisations have questioned why the excavation was allegedly left without adequate safety barriers, warning signs, or protective measures to prevent access by members of the public.

The incident has also reignited debate about occupational safety, infrastructure maintenance, and accountability within local authorities. Meanwhile, the families of the victims continue to seek answers and justice following the deaths of their loved ones. The accused officials are expected to appear in court as investigations continue.

Budiriro sewer pit deaths