Four teenage girls feared dead after fleeing men at Chegutu dam
Story By Walter Nyamukondiwa
At least four teenage girls are feared to have drowned in a dam at Petra Farm in Chegutu. They were fleeing two men who confronted them for fishing against a local headman’s decree.
Preliminary reports indicate the four victims were part of a group of six teenagers. The group had gone to the dam to fish.
Local sources say two men approached the teenagers. The men asked why they were fishing despite the village headman’s prohibition order.
“One of the men reportedly grabbed one of the teenagers and slapped him, which caused panic among the group,” a source said.
After the altercation, the assaulted boy and a companion jumped into the dam. They swam to safety on the opposite bank.
The remaining four girls feared a physical assault and also plunged into the water. They could not swim and reportedly drowned.
Police have launched investigations into the tragedy. Post-mortem examinations will establish the cause of death.
Police are also investigating the actions of the two men. Preliminary indications suggest they may face culpable homicide charges, depending on the outcome of the inquiry.
Reporting based on original coverage by The Herald.
