Budiriro family’s US$250,000 lawsuit puts City of Harare under fresh scrutiny after son’s death
The family of a Budiriro man who drowned in an unprotected sewer pit has sued the City of Harare, demanding US$250,000 in damages over the death of their son, Saul Karakadzai.
The family alleges the local authority’s negligence led to the fatal incident, which occurred on 7 June 2026, and has given the council 14 days to settle the claim before legal proceedings are instituted.
Family blames City of Harare for son’s death
According to H-Metro, the family’s lawyers from Bruce Tokwe Chambers served the City of Harare with a letter of demand dated 28 July 2026.
The lawyers allege Karakadzai was walking home from work at around 8pm when he used a public footpath near a sewage pool in Budiriro 3. They claim council workers had excavated the area but left it without barricades, warning signs or lighting.
In the letter, the lawyers state that the City of Harare “breached its duty of care” by allegedly failing to secure the excavation and warn pedestrians of the danger.
Three council employees already before the courts
The family’s legal representatives said disciplinary action has already been initiated, while criminal proceedings are continuing against three City of Harare employees linked to the incident.
Moses Dicko, Tinei Chihwai and Thomas Rwakatiwana have been charged with culpable homicide. They were denied bail by a Harare regional magistrate.
Family seeks compensation for loss and trauma
The family says it has suffered emotional trauma, pain and suffering, loss of financial support and the loss of a beloved son.
The letter gives the City of Harare 14 days to settle the US$250,000 claim, failing which the lawyers say they will file civil proceedings against the local authority.
At the time the report was published, the City of Harare had not responded to the family’s demand.
Civil lawsuit follows criminal case
The civil claim comes as criminal proceedings against the three council employees continue. The outcome of both matters is expected to be closely watched as the courts determine responsibility for Karakadzai’s death.
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