‘I Went Looking for One Body and Found Three’: Diver Recalls Harrowing Budiriro Sewer Trench Recovery

HARARE – Veteran sub-aqua diver Victor Kazembe, popularly known as Coach Rambo, says the recovery operation that uncovered three bodies from a sewer-filled trench in Budiriro was the most disturbing and mysterious mission of his 16-year rescue career. Kazembe was called to the scene on Sunday night after reports that a man had fallen into an open trench filled with sewage while attempting to cross the area. Rescue teams initially believed they were searching for a single victim.

Instead, the experienced diver emerged with three bodies.

"It is painful to lose loved ones through this kind of death. Drowning in a sewer is heartbreaking," Kazembe said.

"Since 2008, this is the first mystery I have encountered. We were looking for a man who had reportedly fallen into the trench. I expected to retrieve a man wearing jeans and a T-shirt, but what we found was completely different."

Residents said the trench had remained open for several months after excavation works reportedly began in February. Witnesses said community members attempted to rescue the man using a tree branch, but the thick sewer sludge made it impossible to pull him to safety.

Emergency services, including the police and Harare Fire Brigade, were alerted but faced significant challenges accessing and searching the sewer-filled excavation. Kazembe and his sub-aqua rescue team were later called in to assist.

Unlike conventional water rescue operations, the Budiriro trench contained dense sewage sludge, creating highly hazardous conditions for divers.

"We do not normally dive in mud because it is dangerous and oxygen tanks do not function properly in those conditions," Kazembe explained. "I went down carrying an oxygen tank only for emergencies. It was a sacrifice so that these souls could finally rest in peace."

The first body recovered was reportedly a young woman believed to have gone missing a day earlier. Kazembe then descended into the trench a second time and recovered another body.

It was only during a third descent, shortly before dawn, that rescuers located and retrieved the man whose reported fall had triggered the operation.

According to Kazembe, one of the bodies appeared to have been trapped beneath the sludge for several days, raising questions about how long some victims may have remained undiscovered. The diver said he remains puzzled by the sequence of events that led him to the additional victims.

"If I had found the body we were looking for first, I would have retrieved it and come out, leaving the other two beneath the trench," he said.

"Their souls led me to the other bodies. If it were not for that, I would not have encountered them."

While authorities have not commented on the diver's personal interpretation of the discovery, investigations are expected to establish the identities of the victims and the circumstances surrounding their deaths.

The tragedy has sparked public outrage and renewed scrutiny over safety standards at municipal infrastructure projects, particularly open excavations in residential areas. Many residents have questioned why the trench remained exposed for months despite posing a danger to pedestrians and motorists.

Meanwhile, businessman and philanthropist Wicknell Chivayo announced that Kazembe would receive a Toyota Aqua vehicle and US$20,000 in cash in recognition of his efforts during the recovery mission. The award is expected to be presented on Saturday. As investigations continue, the Budiriro tragedy has become a stark reminder of the dangers posed by poorly secured infrastructure works and the risks rescue personnel face in recovering victims under extreme conditions.

Budiriro trench tragedy