Hero Diver Who Retrieved Three Bodies From Budiriro Sewer Pond Gets Car And US$20,000 From Chivayo
A diver who recovered three bodies from a sewage-filled pond in Budiriro has been rewarded with a vehicle and cash after his efforts captured national attention.
Businessman Wicknell Chivayo announced on 9 June 2026 that he would give Victor Kazembe, popularly known as Coach Rambo, a Toyota Aqua and US$20,000 (approximately R360,000) in recognition of his role in retrieving the bodies from the Budiriro sewer pond.
The announcement came after many social media users called on Chivayo to recognise Kazembe’s actions following the recovery operation.
According to Chivayo, he first wanted to understand the circumstances before making a decision. Introducing his message on social media, Chivayo said:
“I’ve heard your cries, although I don’t like people who run ahead of me. Please always give me time and allow me to also understand the background and get an appreciation of what whoever has done and if at all he deserves my recognition.”
Chivayo Praises Diver’s Courage
Chivayo said he was deeply moved after listening to Kazembe explain why he entered the sewage-filled pond. Speaking about the veteran diver, Chivayo said:
“I say to you congratulations, my brother, for such bravery, courage and amazing love.”
He added:
“God bless you – we need more patriotic Zimbabweans like you.”
Chivayo directed Kazembe to collect the Toyota Aqua and the US$20,000 (approximately R360,000) cash reward from a Harare car dealership on Saturday morning.
The businessman is known for handing out gifts to politicians, musicians, influencers and members of the public. However, many social media users praised his decision to reward the diver following the Budiriro tragedy.
‘This Was A Sacrifice’
Kazembe, who has worked as a diver and rescue specialist for many years, said the Budiriro mission was unlike anything he had experienced since beginning life-saving work in 2008.
Speaking after retrieving the bodies, he became emotional as he described the operation.
“This incident is sad, it’s painful. Death yacho inorwadza (death is painful), this is not water but this is mud.”
He added:
“To die in mud is painful.”
Kazembe said divers are generally not encouraged to enter muddy environments because of the dangers involved.
“As divers, we are not recommended to dive in mud, we enter the waters, this is not water but sewage.”
He continued:
“This was a sacrifice so that the spirits of these people rest in peace.”
Veteran Rescuer Faced His Toughest Mission
The Harare-based diver said he initially expected to recover one victim after receiving information from people at the scene. However, the search led to the discovery of three bodies.
Reflecting on the operation, Kazembe said:
“Since I started life-saving in 2008, this one is mysterious.”
He also revealed that he prayed before entering the sewage pond.
“When I got to the scene, I saw it was a difficult scene since it was sewage. It was heavy for me but I was just praying so that I would do the job.”
The post Chivayo Rewards Hero Diver Who Retrieved Three Bodies From Budiriro Sewer Pond With Car And US$20,000 appeared first on iHarare News.
