The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has confirmed the deaths of three people who drowned in a sewer sludge pit in Budiriro 3 New Stands, Harare.
In a statement yesterday, ZRP national spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said police were alerted to a tragic drowning incident that occurred on 7 June 2026, where three bodies were later recovered from a pit filled with sewer sludge.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms the death of three people who drowned in a pit filled with sewer sludge in Budiriro 3 New Stands, Harare, on 7th June 2026,” said Commissioner Nyathi.
He explained that the first victim, 19-year-old Saul Karakadzai, had been walking with a friend along a narrow pathway when he accidentally fell into the deep pit.
“One of the victims, Saul Karakadzai (19) and his friend were walking along a narrow pathway when they passed through the sludge pit measuring approximately three metres deep, seven metres long and two metres wide,” said Commissioner Nyathi.
He said the victim drowned after falling into the pit, prompting his companion to alert residents and police officers who responded to the scene.
“Saul Karakadzai accidentally fell into the pit and drowned. The friend alerted nearby residents and the police, who swiftly responded to assist in retrieving the victim,” he said.
Commissioner Nyathi added that the recovery operation revealed a further grim discovery.
“During the retrieval process, two other bodies were discovered in the pit. The three bodies have since been retrieved and taken to Sally Mugabe Hospital mortuary for post-mortem. More details will be released in due course,” said Commissioner Nyathi.
The ZRP has urged members of the public to exercise caution around hazardous infrastructure as investigations into the incident continue.
