Hairdresser Sues City Of Harare For Negligence, Demands US$24 000 After Falling Into ‘Hidden’ Drain

Harare Woman Sues Council Over Dangerous Hidden Drain

A Harare hairdresser is suing the City of Harare, demanding more than US$24 000 (approx. R444 000) after allegedly falling into a “hidden” and unmarked drain that left her with serious injuries.

Horror Fall Near Mabelreign Shopping Centre

The incident occurred on 30 June 2025 near Mabelreign Shopping Centre, after 33-year-old Leocardia Ngonidzashe Mandiwa had disembarked from a commuter omnibus coming from Harare’s central business district.

According to the [Source], the drain was approximately 1.8 metres deep and had no warning signs or barricades in place.

ZLHR described the circumstances surrounding the incident.

“In Harare, an aggrieved resident has asked City of Harare (CoH) to compensate her for more than US$24 000 after she suffered severe injuries owing to negligence by the local authority, whose employees left a drainage pit open in one of the suburbs in the capital city.”

The legal filing states that the drain was not marked, making it difficult to detect.

“The drain was unmarked such that it was reasonably impossible for her to ascertain its existence.”

ZLHR added that members of the public assisted her after the fall.

“She had to be pulled out of the drain by well-wishers who were going about their business.”

Claim Of Negligence And Duty Of Care Breach

The lawsuit, filed at the Harare Civil Magistrates Court, accuses the City of Harare of breaching its duty of care by leaving the drain open and failing to warn the public.

ZLHR outlined the alleged failures by the local authority.

“There were no barricades surrounding the drain and there were also no danger warning signs surrounding and around the drain to alert road users of the hazard.”

Mandiwa, represented by Tinashe Chinopfukutwa of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights, is claiming US$24 593 (approx. R455 000) in damages. The claim includes:

US$5 000 (approx. R92 000) for pain and suffering
US$5 000 (approx. R92 000) for permanent disfigurement
US$4 000 (approx. R74 000) for future medical expenses
US$5 000 (approx. R92 000) for loss of social amenities
US$1 237 (approx. R23 000) for medical costs
US$2 700 (approx. R50 000) for loss of income
US$1 656 (approx. R31 000) for unused rentals

ZLHR stated that the local authority’s actions led to the injuries sustained.

“CoH negligently caused the accident and the injuries and damages which she suffered, by breaching its duty of care towards road users.”

Injuries Disrupt Work And Income

ZLHR reports that Mandiwa sustained serious injuries, including three broken ribs and a fractured rib, and continues to experience pain.

“She sustained severe injuries on her body, which include three broken ribs on her right side and also suffered a permanent injury… and continues to experience excruciating pain.”

The injuries affected her ability to work. She was unable to earn an income for six months, from June to December 2025.

ZLHR detailed the financial impact.