A fatal accident occurred on Friday morning in Mucheke’s R Section after a man identified as Peter Pauro, of Mozambican descent, fell into a deep open pit left uncovered along Zimuto Road.

The pit had been dug by Masvingo City Council workers during repairs to a blocked water pipeline. Residents say the excavation was left open in a residential area without barricades, warning tape or visible signage, creating a serious danger to pedestrians.

Following the incident, members of the community expressed anger and disbelief, accusing the local authority of recklessness. They questioned how such a large pit—measuring several metres in length and depth—could be abandoned along a busy neighbourhood road where children and elderly residents frequently pass.

Police confirmed that they are still compiling details surrounding the incident. Masvingo Provincial Police spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa said the matter had been escalated to national police offices for further clarification.

Masvingo Town Engineer Kudzaishe Mbetu acknowledged the incident but denied that the City Council was responsible. He claimed the deceased deliberately entered the water-filled pit and insisted safety measures had been put in place.

Despite these assertions, residents maintained that no barriers were visible prior to the incident. They also alleged that the area was only secured after the man’s body had been removed.

Ward 1 councillor Sabina Chikwangwani said the tragedy highlights a long-standing problem of uncovered pits across the ward. She revealed that concerns over open excavations had previously been raised with council management but were not addressed due to financial constraints.

Local residents said the death has heightened fear in the community, where several open pits remain scattered and some have become overgrown, making them difficult to detect.

Community members are now calling on Masvingo City Council to urgently secure all excavation sites and put permanent safety measures in place to prevent further loss of life.