Teen Among Three Killed In Harare Sewer Sludge Pit Drowning

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has confirmed the deaths of three people who drowned in a pit of sewer sludge in Budiriro 3 New Stands, Harare, on 7 June 2026.

In a statement on Monday, 8 June, police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said one of the victims, 19-year-old Saul Karakadzai, was walking with a friend along a narrow path when they passed the sludge pit, which is about three metres deep, seven metres long and two metres wide.

“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. During the retrieval process, two other bodies were discovered in the pit,” said Commissioner Nyathi.

“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.”

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