The family of one of the three people who died after falling into an unsecured sewage pond in Budiriro in June 2026 has launched legal action against Harare City Council, alleging negligence and seeking compensation for the loss of their relative.
The lawsuit follows one of Harare’s deadliest municipal infrastructure disasters in recent years, when three residents drowned in a sludge-filled sewer excavation that had allegedly been left open for months without barricades, warning signs or adequate safety measures. The tragedy triggered widespread public outrage and renewed scrutiny of the city’s management of public works projects.
According to police, the victims were Saul Karakadzai (19), Talita Munda (17) and Vimbanashe Shalom Chihota (34), all from Budiriro 3 Extension. Investigators said the first victim fell into the deep sewer pit while walking along a narrow pathway before two other residents also lost their lives in the same hazardous excavation.
The family’s lawyers argue that the City of Harare failed in its duty of care by leaving the excavation exposed in a densely populated residential suburb. The civil action reportedly seeks damages for funeral expenses, emotional suffering, loss of support and other relief the court may deem appropriate.
The fatal sewer pond was reportedly created during sewer rehabilitation works undertaken earlier in 2026. Residents told local media the excavation remained uncovered and unprotected for several months despite repeated concerns about the danger it posed to pedestrians, particularly children using nearby footpaths.
The tragedy also prompted criminal investigations. Zimbabwe Republic Police arrested four Harare City Council officials on allegations of culpable homicide, accusing them of negligently failing to secure the excavation. The officials are alleged to have left the sewer pit uncovered after repair works, exposing members of the public to a foreseeable risk of death.
In separate proceedings, a regional magistrate denied bail to three of the accused council employees, describing the alleged conduct as serious negligence involving the deaths of three people. Prosecutors contend the excavation, measuring several metres in length and depth, had remained exposed for months before the incident.
Human rights organisations have also condemned the incident. The Zimbabwe Human Rights Association (ZimRights) described the Budiriro deaths as an avoidable tragedy and accused the City of Harare of repeatedly failing to secure dangerous public works sites. The organisation called for an independent investigation, accountability for those responsible and compensation for the bereaved families.
Legal analysts say the civil lawsuit could test the extent of municipal liability in Zimbabwe where local authorities allegedly fail to maintain safe public infrastructure. If the court finds that council negligence directly caused the deaths, the ruling could establish an important precedent for future claims involving unsafe public works.
Harare City Council had not publicly commented on the reported civil proceedings at the time of publication. The council has previously faced criticism over deteriorating infrastructure, including recurring sewer failures and delays in completing rehabilitation projects across the capital.
The case is expected to proceed before the High Court, where the family will seek to hold the local authority financially accountable for what they argue was a preventable loss of life.
