Story by Parvel Makona
THREE City of Harare employees have been remanded in custody after appearing before the Harare Magistrates’ Court on culpable homicide charges arising from the deaths of three people who allegedly drowned in an unsecured sewage manhole in Budiriro last week.
Moses Dicko (57), Tineyi Chihwai (41) and Thomas Rwakatiwana (52) appeared in court this Saturday facing three counts of culpable homicide.
According to court papers, the trio allegedly excavated a sewage manhole measuring approximately five metres in length, three metres in width and 3.5 metres in depth in Budiriro 3 in February this year while carrying out work to clear a sewer blockage.
The State alleges that the accused failed to secure or barricade the excavation site, leaving the pit exposed and accessible to members of the public.
Prosecutors further allege that on June 7, Saul Karakadzai, Talita Munda and Vimbainashe Chihota drowned after falling into the unsecured manhole.
The State contends that the accused negligently failed to foresee the potential danger posed by the open pit and did not take reasonable measures to prevent loss of life.
The prosecution opposed bail, arguing that the matter is of national interest and that releasing the accused could expose them to danger in light of public anger surrounding the incident.
The three men were remanded in custody and are expected to return to court on 15 June, when a ruling on their bail application is due to be delivered.
