Petra Dam Tragedy: ZRP Arrests 2 Suspects After Four Schoolgirls Die
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has arrested two suspects following the deaths of four schoolgirls who drowned at Petra Dam in Chegutu after an alleged confrontation over illegal fishing. The victims, aged between 13 and 15, reportedly tried to swim across the dam after a group of seven suspects confronted them.
The incident happened at Petra Farm on Sunday, 18 October 2026, at around 9 pm. In a press statement dated 20 October, the ZRP confirmed that two suspects, aged 16 and 19, had been apprehended, while five others were still being sought.
The deceased were identified as Letty Sedrick (14), Tadiwa Phiri (15), Faith Woda (13) and Mercy Tembo (14). The girls were Grade Six and Seven pupils.
What Happened To The Four Schoolgirls At Petra Dam?
According to the ZRP, the girls were reportedly fishing with a mosquito net when they were confronted by seven suspects who accused them of engaging in illegal fishing.
One of the boys who was accompanying the girls allegedly came under attack when he attempted to flee. Police said he was assaulted with a switch and open hands.
The boy managed to escape by swimming across the dam. Another boy accompanying the group also followed him, leaving the four girls in the water.
The ZRP suspects that the girls then attempted to swim across the dam but failed to reach the other side.
The police statement gave the following account of what happened after the boys escaped:
“He escaped and swam across the dam, while another boy followed, leaving the four girls behind in the water.”
The circumstances surrounding the confrontation and the events that led to the girls entering the water are now central to the police investigation.
ZRP Arrests 2 Suspects As Search For 5 Others Continues
The bodies of the four schoolgirls were recovered on Monday, 19 October 2026, a day after the incident.
The ZRP confirmed that two suspects, aged 16 and 19, had been arrested and were assisting police with investigations. Five other suspects remained at large when the statement was issued.
Police are investigating a suspected case of culpable homicide in connection with the deaths. The allegations have not been tested in court, and the investigation is ongoing.
The incident has also prompted a warning from the police about children’s safety around dams and rivers, particularly at night.
The ZRP urged parents and guardians to keep a close eye on their children’s movements, whereabouts and activities. It also advised that children should be discouraged from visiting dams and rivers after dark.
ZRP Warns Public Against Taking The Law Into Their Own Hands
In its statement, the police also appealed to members of the public not to take matters into their own hands when they suspect illegal activities.
The force urged people to report suspected offences to the police or other relevant authorities so that the law can take its course.
The four deaths occurred after an alleged confrontation over fishing, but police have not yet announced the outcome of their investigations. The two arrests mark an early development in the case, while the search for the remaining five suspects continues.
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