Four City of Harare officials who are facing culpable homicide following the death of three people in Budiriro 3 appeared before a Harare Magistrate, where three of them have been denied bail.
The quartet appeared in court this Monday in connection with the Budiriro sewer pit tragedy that occurred last week.
The officials are facing charges linked to the incident in which three people reportedly drowned after falling into an unsecured sewer manhole in Budiriro 3.
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.
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.
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 are expected to return to court on June,29, as investigations continue.
