Four Schoolgirls Drown at Petra Dam in Chegutu

By Southerton Business Times Reporter, Harare

Four schoolgirls aged between 13 and 15 drowned at Petra Dam in Chegutu after allegedly being confronted by people accusing them of illegal fishing, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has said.

The incident occurred at Petra Farm on Sunday, 18 October 2026, at around 9pm. Police are investigating a suspected case of culpable homicide. The victims have been identified as Letty Sedrick, 14, Tadiwa Phiri, 15, Faith Woda, 13, and Mercy Tembo, 14. Their bodies were recovered on Monday, 19 October.

According to a ZRP press statement dated 20 October, the girls, who were Grade Six and Grade Seven pupils, had reportedly gone fishing with a mosquito net when they were confronted by seven suspects who accused them of illegal fishing. One of the boys accompanying the girls was allegedly assaulted with a switch and open hands when he attempted to flee. He managed to escape by swimming across the dam, while another boy also followed.

The four girls were left in the water and are suspected to have attempted to swim across the dam but failed to reach the opposite bank. Police said two suspects, aged 16 and 19, had been apprehended and were assisting with investigations. Five other suspects were still being sought as of the date of the statement. The circumstances surrounding the confrontation and the deaths remain under investigation. The suspects’ alleged involvement has not yet been determined by a court.

In its statement, the ZRP urged parents and guardians to closely monitor children’s movements, whereabouts and activities, particularly at night. Police also warned children against visiting dams and rivers during nighttime, highlighting the dangers associated with being near open water after dark.

The tragedy has left four families grieving and raised serious concerns about children’s safety around dams and the risks associated with confrontations over alleged illegal fishing. Further details are expected as police investigations continue.

Petra Dam drowning incident