Two Arrested After Four Schoolgirls Drown at Chegutu Dam

By Staff Reporter

CHEGUTU, Zimbabwe – Police have arrested two suspects following the deaths of four schoolgirls who drowned at Petra Dam in Chegutu after an alleged confrontation over illegal fishing.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) confirmed that two suspects, aged 16 and 19, had been arrested in connection with the incident, which occurred at Petra Farm on Sunday, 18 October 2026, at around 9pm.

Five other suspects are still being sought, according to a police statement issued on Tuesday, 20 October.

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.

Their bodies were recovered on Monday, a day after the tragic incident.



According to the police, the four 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 accompanying the girls was allegedly assaulted with a switch and open hands when he attempted to flee the group.

The boy reportedly escaped by swimming across the dam, while another boy also swam to safety, leaving the four girls in the water.

Police suspect that the girls subsequently attempted to swim across the dam but failed to reach the opposite bank.

Investigators are working to establish the full circumstances surrounding the confrontation and the events that led to the girls' deaths.

The two arrested suspects are assisting police with investigations, while efforts to locate the remaining five suspects continue.

Police are investigating a suspected case of culpable homicide. The allegations have not been tested in court, and the investigation remains ongoing.

The incident has raised fresh concerns about children's safety around dams and rivers, particularly after dark.

The ZRP urged parents and guardians to closely monitor their children's movements and activities, warning them against visiting dams and rivers at night.


The police also cautioned members of the public against taking the law into their own hands when dealing with suspected illegal activities.

The force urged people to report suspected offences to the police or relevant authorities rather than confronting alleged offenders themselves.

As investigations continue, police are pursuing the five outstanding suspects in connection with the deaths of the four schoolgirls.