Katete Town Council, through its Fire and Rescue Team, successfully retrieved the body of a 43-year-old man from a 6-metre-deep open well in Chimutukulo Village, under Chief Kawaza’s area, in the early hours of Tuesday, 21st October 2025.
The incident occurred at approximately 06:00 hours, when Mr. Timothy Mbewe, aged 43, accidentally slipped and fell into an open well while attempting to draw drinking water. The well is located in a garden at Chimutukulo Village.
Katete Fire Brigade received the distress call at 07:09 hours and promptly arrived at the scene by 07:55 hours. A team led by Leading Firefighter Joseph Soko, and supported by Firefighter Driver Royd Sakala, Leading Firefighter Serah Phiri, Firefighter Gift Mwansa, and Firefighter/Marine Bright Mwanza, managed to retrieve the body by 09:00 hours, after which it was handed over to the Zambia Police Service for further investigation.
Speaking after the operation, Division Fire Officer Mr. Haggai Manda expressed deep concern over the increasing number of drowning cases in Katete District.
He urged community members to exercise extreme caution when drawing water from open wells.
Mr. Manda also called on infrastructure developers to ensure that all open wells on their plots are fitted with secure covers, to safeguard the lives of children and vulnerable persons in our communities.
In addition, the Division Fire Officer appealed to Ward Development Committees (WDCs), section leaders, and traditional authorities to work hand-in-hand with Katete Town Council in preventing future drowning incidents.
He specifically emphasized the need to curb illegal fishing and swimming activities, especially during this hot season.
Katete Town Council commends the bravery and professionalism of the Fire and Rescue Team in executing this challenging recovery operation.
🛑 Stay safe. Protect lives. Let’s work together.
(c) Katete Town Council