Story by Online reporter
Four City of Harare officials appeared in court this Monday in connection with the Budiriro sewer pit tragedy that claimed three lives, with three of the accused being denied bail as investigations continue.
The officials are facing charges linked to the fatal incident in which three people reportedly drowned after falling into an unsecured sewer manhole in Budiriro 3 earlier this month.
Engineer Richard Tapiwa Kunyadini (58), the Acting Director of Harare Water, appeared before the court representing the City of Harare following a council resolution dated 12 June.
Kunyadini was not remanded in custody after arguing that the City of Harare, which he represents, is a legal entity and therefore could not be remanded in custody.
The other accused, Moses Dicko (57), Superintendent for Region Three, Zone Four, which covers Budiriro, Glen View, Mufakose and Marimba, Tineyi Chihwai (41), a Class One plumber with the City of Harare, and Thomas Rwakatiwana (52), a Works Foreman, appeared before the court in their personal capacities as operational personnel responsible for the site.
The State opposed their release on bail, arguing that they had displayed “gross negligence” by allegedly leaving the sewer pit uncovered for approximately five months.
Prosecutors further submitted that the matter had generated significant public interest and outrage, adding that releasing the accused could place their safety at risk.
According to the State, the accused allegedly excavated a sewer manhole in Budiriro 3 in February this year while attending to a sewer blockage but failed to secure the site after completing the work.
The excavation reportedly remained uncovered for five months.
On 7 June, three people are said to have drowned after falling into the unsecured manhole.
The three accused officials were remanded in custody and are expected to return to court on 29 June as investigations continue.
