Two drown during traditional rituals in Gweru dam
By Auther Chimbgwa
Two men drowned whilst carrying out some traditional rituals in Gweru’s Clydesdale Dam recently.
Police spokesperson for the Midlands Province Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko confirmed the tragic incident.
One of the victims was identified as Philemon Matavire (46) of Woodlands, Gweru with the other one still to be identified.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms two cases of sudden death in which two men drowned at Clydesdale Dam in Gweru on 24 February 2026,” Mahoko said in a statement.
“The now deceased men met their fate while allegedly carrying out traditional rituals.”
On the fateful day, Mahoko said, 15 people comprising 10 women and five men went to the dam to conduct rituals.
It was during the rituals that the two drowned in the dam.
“Police officers who include Sub Aqua Unit attended the scene and the bodies were retrieved on 25 February 2026 at around 10 am,” added Mahoko.
Mahoko took the opportunity to remind members of the public not to take risks by venturing into deep water bodies or flooded rivers and dams as the possibility of drowning was high.
