Walter Nyamukondiwa-Mashonaland West Bureau Chief
AT LEAST four teenage girls are feared to have drowned in a dam at Petra Farm in Chegutu while fleeing two men who confronted them for fishing against a local headman’s decree.
Preliminary reports indicate that the four victims were part of a larger group of six teenagers who had gone to the dam to fish.
According to local sources, the teenagers were approached by two men who questioned why they were fishing despite a prohibition order issued by the village headman.
“One of the men reportedly grabbed one of the teenagers and slapped him, which caused panic among the group,” a source stated.
Following the physical altercation, the assaulted boy and a companion fled by jumping into the dam, successfully swimming to safety on the opposite bank.
Fearing a physical assault, the remaining four teenage girls also plunged into the water. However, they were unable to swim and reportedly drowned.
Police investigations into the tragedy are underway, and post-mortem examinations will be conducted to formally establish the cause of death.
Authorities are investigating the actions of the two men, with preliminary indications suggesting that culpable homicide charges may be brought against the suspects, depending on the final outcome of the police inquiry.
