By Jeremiah Gora
Four schoolgirls drowned at Petra Dam in Chegutu after they were allegedly confronted by a group of boys who accused them of illegal fishing, with police now investigating the incident as a suspected case of culpable homicide.
The victims, identified as Letty Sedrick (14), Tadiwa Phiri (15), Faith Woda (13) and Mercy Tembo (14), drowned at Petra Farm on Sunday, October 18, 2026, at around 9pm.
According to the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), the girls, who were Grade Six and Seven pupils, had reportedly been fishing with a mosquito net when they were confronted by seven suspects over the alleged illegal fishing activity.
Police said one of the boys who was accompanying the girls was assaulted with a switch and open hands when he attempted to flee.
“He escaped and swam across the dam, while another boy followed, leaving the four girls behind in the water,” police said in a statement issued on Tuesday.
The girls are suspected to have attempted to swim across the dam but failed to reach the opposite bank.
Their bodies were recovered on Monday, October 19.
Police have since arrested two suspects, aged 16 and 19, who are assisting with investigations, while five other suspects are still being sought.
The incident has raised concerns over children’s safety around dams and rivers, particularly at night.
The ZRP urged parents and guardians to closely monitor their children’s movements and activities.
“Children should be discouraged from visiting dams or rivers during the night,” police said.
The police also warned members of the public against taking the law into their own hands, urging them to report suspected illegal activities to law enforcement agencies.
“Any concerns regarding purported illegal activities should be reported to the police or relevant authorities to allow the law to take its course,” the statement said.
Meanwhile, in a separate incident in Bulawayo, police arrested two robbery suspects following a shootout in Norwood that left their alleged accomplice dead.
Austin Nkomazana (23) and Nkosikhona Ndlovu (23) were arrested, while Average Mdlovu (23), also known as SaAaron, died after allegedly exchanging gunfire with police.
Police said the trio was being tracked in connection with five robbery cases reported in Umguza on October 18 and 19.
In one of the cases, the suspects allegedly attacked a woman and her three children at their home and stole US$2,000 and other valuables valued at US$2,460.
Police said Mdlovu was shot in the chest during the confrontation and was pronounced dead upon admission to United Bulawayo Hospitals.
The remaining two suspects are assisting police with investigations.
