Harare – The tragic deaths of three individuals in a Budiriro 3 sewer pond have cast a harsh spotlight on alleged municipal negligence and a potential cover-up by local authorities. Residents of the Harare suburb are reeling from the horror of discovering three bodies – a young woman, an older man, and a young man—in a sewage-filled excavation left open by council workers. The incident, which occurred over the weekend, has ignited public outcry and demands for accountability, with many questioning why such a dangerous hazard was left unattended.
Eyewitnesses recount a harrowing scene where one young man, mistaking the muddy water for solid ground, fell into the putrid pit. A subsequent rescue attempt by a diver, Victor Kazembe, known as ‘Coach Rambo’, led to the grim discovery of not one, but three bodies. This revelation has intensified suspicions that the Harare City Council was aware of the perilous conditions but failed to act decisively. Despite official statements from council spokespersons confirming an investigation, residents claim they had repeatedly warned the council about the long-standing danger posed by the open sewer.
The Horrific Discovery in Budiriro 3
The incident unfolded in Budiriro 3, a high-density suburb in Harare, where an open sewer excavation, reportedly left unattended by Harare City Council workers, became a death trap. The initial alarm was raised when a young man, walking with a companion from local shops, tragically fell into the murky, sewage-filled pit. His friend, witnessing the horrific event, immediately sought help, alerting emergency services to the unfolding disaster.
What began as a search for a single missing person quickly escalated into a more profound tragedy. Sub-aqua diver Victor Kazembe, widely known as ‘Coach Rambo’ for his bravery and expertise in water rescue operations, was called to the scene. Kazembe, a seasoned diver with 16 years of experience, descended into the treacherous depths of the sewer pond, expecting to retrieve the body of the young man who had fallen in. However, what he discovered was far more disturbing.
In a harrowing operation, Kazembe first retrieved the body of a young woman. Reports indicated that she had disappeared around 6 pm the previous day while on her way to local shops. Following this grim discovery, he then recovered the body of an older man. On his third attempt, the body of the young man who had initially fallen into the pit was finally brought to the surface. The recovery of three bodies from a single, unsecured sewer pond sent shockwaves through the community and beyond.
A Council Under Scrutiny
The Harare City Council has come under intense scrutiny following the Budiriro tragedy. Residents have voiced their outrage, alleging that the open sewer excavation had been a known hazard for an extended period, with repeated warnings to the council falling on deaf ears. The council’s failure to secure such a dangerous site has led to accusations of negligence and a blatant disregard for public safety.
Harare City Council spokesperson Stanley Gama confirmed the incident, stating that investigations were underway to establish the full circumstances surrounding the deaths. Harare Mayor Councillor Jacob Mafume also expressed his shock and called for an in-depth probe into the matter. However, these official statements have done little to quell the public’s anger, with many demanding concrete action and accountability rather than mere investigations.
This incident is not an isolated one. Critics argue that a combination of inadequate infrastructure, lack of protective gear for workers, and a chronic lack of running water has exacerbated the risks faced by residents and council employees alike. The history of municipal negligence in Harare, including past incidents where council workers have died in similar circumstances, paints a grim picture of systemic failures within the city’s service delivery.
The Heroic Diver: Coach Rambo
Victor Kazembe, ‘Coach Rambo’, emerged as an unlikely hero in the midst of this tragedy. His courage and selflessness in undertaking such a perilous rescue operation have been widely lauded. Descending into a sewer-filled trench, a hazardous environment where oxygen tanks often malfunction, was a testament to his dedication.
Kazembe himself described the operation as a profound sacrifice. In an interview, he stated, “‘It is painful to lose loved ones through this kind of death. Drowning in a sewer is heartbreaking.’ He further added, “‘Since 2008, this is the first mystery I have encountered. We were looking for a man who had reportedly fallen into the trench. I expected to retrieve a man wearing jeans and a T-shirt, but what we found was completely different.’ He emphasised the extreme danger, saying, “‘We do not normally dive in mud because it is dangerous and oxygen tanks do not function properly in those conditions. I went down carrying an oxygen tank only for emergencies. It was a sacrifice so that these souls could finally rest in peace.’”
His actions brought closure to the grieving families and highlighted the critical need for skilled rescue professionals in such emergencies. The contrast between his heroic efforts and the perceived inaction of the city council has further fuelled public debate.
The Millionaire’s Generosity and Public Reaction
In the aftermath of the tragedy and Kazembe’s heroic efforts, prominent Zimbabwean businessman and socialite Wicknell Chivayo stepped forward with a significant gesture of appreciation. Chivayo, known for his extravagant lifestyle and philanthropic acts, rewarded Victor Kazembe with a brand new Toyota Aqua vehicle and a substantial cash gift of $20,000. This act of generosity quickly garnered widespread attention on social media, with many praising Chivayo for recognising Kazembe’s bravery where official channels seemed to fall short.
The public reaction to Chivayo’s reward was largely positive, with many expressing admiration for his swift and substantial recognition of Kazembe’s heroism. This contrasted sharply with the Harare City Council’s initial response, which reportedly offered Kazembe a mere ‘token of appreciation’ in the form of groceries. The disparity in these gestures sparked further debate about the value placed on human life and heroic acts by different entities within society.
While Chivayo’s gesture was celebrated, it also inadvertently highlighted the perceived shortcomings of the local authorities. The question arose: why did it take a private citizen to adequately reward a hero for a public service, especially when the incident itself was a result of alleged municipal negligence? This further intensified calls for the Harare City Council to take greater responsibility for its infrastructure and the safety of its citizens.
A Call for Accountability and Change
The Budiriro tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of proper urban planning, infrastructure maintenance, and accountability from local governance. The loss of three lives in such preventable circumstances underscores the urgent need for the Harare City Council to address its systemic failures.
Residents continue to demand answers and assurances that such a tragedy will not recur. There is a strong call for immediate action to secure all hazardous sites, conduct thorough investigations into past and present negligence, and implement robust safety protocols. The bravery of individuals like Victor Kazembe should be celebrated, but more importantly, the conditions that necessitate such heroism due to negligence must be eradicated.
Ultimately, the question remains: how many more lives must be lost before the council takes its responsibilities seriously? The community of Budiriro, and indeed all of Harare, awaits not just investigations, but tangible changes that prioritise the safety and well-being of its citizens. The memory of the three lives lost in the sewer pond must serve as a catalyst for genuine reform and a commitment to preventing future avoidable deaths.
The city’s leadership must move beyond mere statements and demonstrate a clear, actionable plan to rectify the deep-seated issues that led to Budiriro’s deadly secret. The public deserves transparency, accountability, and a city where basic safety is not a luxury, but a fundamental right. The story of Budiriro 3 is a grim testament to the consequences of neglect and a powerful plea for a more responsible and responsive local government. The community hopes that the tragic deaths will not be in vain, but will instead spur the necessary changes to ensure that no other family has to endure such a heartbreaking loss due to preventable hazards. The spotlight remains firmly on the Harare City Council, awaiting a comprehensive and effective response to this deadly secret.