Coach Rambo Ends Six-Day Search as Last Three Ruti Dam Drowning Victims Recovered

Renowned Zimbabwean diver Victor Kazembe, popularly known as Coach Rambo, has brought closure to the families of four people who drowned in Ruti Dam after recovering the final three bodies following a six-day search.

The tragedy occurred last Saturday when a fiberglass canoe carrying four family members capsized as they attempted to cross the dam from Gutu to Buhera on their way to Ndyarima Business Centre, where they planned to catch an early morning bus to Harare.

The victims were identified as Modreck Rufu, who was paddling the canoe, his sister Tecla Rufu, and her two children, Peacemaker Zvoushe and four-year-old Moreblessing.

According to reports, the family set off at around 2 a.m. after informing a local fisherman of their travel plans. Shortly after departure, the canoe overturned, throwing all four occupants into the water.

The body of young Moreblessing was discovered floating just hours later by fisherman Thomas Gojo and taken to Murambinda Mission Hospital mortuary.

However, despite an extensive six-day search by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Sub-Aqua Unit from Changadzi, the remaining three victims could not be located. Their relatives then sought the assistance of Coach Rambo.

Working alongside police divers and emergency responders, Coach Rambo successfully recovered the remaining bodies over Wednesday and Thursday, bringing the operation to a close.

Family spokesperson Prince Chikonzo confirmed that the bodies of Tecla Rufu, Modreck Rufu and Peacemaker Zvoushe had been retrieved, allowing the family to begin funeral arrangements.

National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the incident, stating that investigators do not suspect any foul play.

Meanwhile, Acting Manicaland police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka urged members of the public to avoid crossing rivers and dams at night or without proper safety precautions, saying the tragedy serves as a painful reminder of the dangers involved.

Coach Rambo has earned widespread recognition for his underwater recovery work. He recently gained national attention after recovering three bodies from a sewage pond in Budiriro, Harare, in what he described as the most traumatic mission of his 16-year diving career. Following that operation, businessman Wicknell Chivayo rewarded him with two vehicles and cash in recognition of his bravery.

The Ruti Dam tragedy has left the victims' relatives and the wider community mourning the loss of an entire family whose journey ended in disaster.