Online Reporter
A search operation launched after reports that a man had drowned in a mud-filled excavation at a major City of Harare sewer rehabilitation site ended in the recovery of three bodies, prompting Mayor Jacob Mafume to order an immediate investigation into the tragedy.
Emergency services were initially alerted that a man walking home had fallen into a mud hole at the site of extensive sewer works being carried out by the local authority.
However, when rescue teams arrived and began recovery efforts, they made a series of unexpected discoveries.
The City of Harare said a sub-aqua rescue team led by Victor Kazembe, popularly known as Coach Rambo, working alongside the City of Harare Fire Brigade, first recovered the body of a young woman who had reportedly gone missing earlier on the previous evening.
As the search continued, Kazembe recovered a second body, that of a man, but authorities established that he was not the individual rescue teams had originally been searching for.
The operation took a further grim turn when rescuers recovered a third body, which was identified as the young man who had been reported to have fallen into the mud pit.
In a statement, the City of Harare said emergency personnel had initially responded after being informed “that a man walking home had fallen into the mud hole”.
The council said the sub-aqua team “retrieved the body of a young female who had gone missing earlier yesterday evening” before recovering a second male body that “again turned out not to be the person the rescue teams were initially looking for”.
The city added that rescuers later “retrieved the third body of the young man who had been reported to have fallen into the mud pool”.
Police and other agencies have launched investigations into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
Authorities said further details would be released as inquiries continue.
Volunteer emergency response group ConCERT assisted with coordination efforts at the scene alongside the City of Harare Fire Brigade.
Deputy Mayor Rose Muronda, Disaster Risk Management Committee chairperson Councillor Jane Bhingari, Councillor Pedzesai and Councillor Dzinomurumbi were also present and remained at the scene until the early hours of the morning.
The tragedy has triggered a high-level response from city authorities.
“His Worship the Mayor Cllr Jacob Mafume has ordered an immediate probe into the deaths of the three, saying he wants answers in the next few hours,” the City of Harare said.
The local authority extended its condolences to the bereaved families.
“The City of Harare extends its condolences to the families of the three. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families during this very difficult time,” the statement said.
