The family of 17-year-old Talita Munda has given the City of Harare a two week deadline to pay US$150 000 in compensation following her death in a sewage filled pit allegedly left unattended in Budiriro.
Through Maseko Law Chambers, the family warned that legal proceedings would be instituted if the local authority fails to respond within 14 days.
Talita was among three people who lost their lives after falling into a waterlogged excavation that residents say had been left open for several months.
The incident has already led to the arrest of three City of Harare employees, Moses Dicko, Tinei Chihwai and Thomas Rwakatiwana who are facing culpable homicide charges.
Court records indicate that the pit had become a death trap after filling with water and remaining unsecured in a residential area.
The tragedy came to light on June 7 when a 19-year-old man reportedly fell into the excavation. Rescue teams later recovered the bodies of Talita and 34-year-old Vimbainashe Chihota.
Related Stories
A magistrate denied bail to the three accused workers, citing the gravity of the alleged negligence and the loss of lives.
In a letter to the municipality, the family's lawyers argued that the council failed to take reasonable measures to protect residents from a known danger.
"The excavation remained exposed in a community full of residents including children," the lawyers said.
"This was not ordinary negligence ,it was a shocking disregard for public safety," they added.
The family is seeking damages for pain and suffering, emotional distress and what it describes as the violation of the teenager's right to life.
The City of Harare had not issued a response at the time of writing.
Leave Comments