Logic Chatikobo

Chipinge: Five people lost their lives as they were swept away by water following the collapse of Bandama Dam in Chipinge District. The search efforts that are currently ongoing have led to the discovery of the 5 bodies, although two children are still missing.

Reports from various sources on the ground reveal that many people have lost properties and livestock.

Speaking to our publication, Ward 10 Councillor Piason Sithole said the dam collapsed due to poor maintenance and rising water levels from excessive rainfall.

“The water level in dam increased rapidly, causing extreme pressure on the dam wall around midday on Sunday 09 March 2025. The burst caused a lot of destruction downstream and swept away 7 children who were doing laundry and fishing.

“Many people were left homeless, Danhoyi Bridge was washed away, and everything was swept away. Hectares and hectares of maize, macadamia nuts, plantations were destroyed,” said Sithole.

He revealed that some have lost important documents like national identity cards, passports, birth certificates, drivers licenses, and ordinary level certificates.

“As for now, water levels are low, but the extent of the damage caused is huge,” he said.