HARARE-based diver Victor Kazembe, popularly known as Coach Rambo, is set to receive a Toyota Aqua and US$20,000 from businessman Wicknell Chivayo in recognition of his role in a high-risk recovery operation in Budiriro.
Chivayo made the announcement on Tuesday following public calls for Kazembe to be rewarded for recovering three bodies from a council pond in Budiriro last week.
Kazembe, a specialist in underwater search and recovery, led the operation that required diving in heavily polluted water conditions to retrieve the victims.
In a social media post, Chivayo said he had taken note of Kazembe’s work but initially needed time to understand the circumstances surrounding the operation.
“KUCHEMA KWENYU NDAKUNZWA asi handiwanzo kuda hangu vanhu vane dzungu vanondi mhanyira kumberi,” he wrote.
“Please always give me time to understand the background and if at all he deserves my RECOGNITION.”
Chivayo said he had seen part of Kazembe’s interview but was initially distracted by references made to spiritual matters.
“When I heard him explain akutaura zve ma spirit evanhu kana vafa I didn’t even end up watching the rest,” he said.
He added that he later learned more about the recovery effort.
“Zvisinei all I heard was he went swimming in thick sewage waters trying to save some children somewhere muno mu HARARE. Aiwa tinokutendai MUKOMA RAMBO and for that I say WELL DONE,” he said.
Chivayo said Kazembe should collect his reward from “Madzibaba Chipaga” on Saturday morning.
“On Saturday morning he can gladly go and see MADZIBABA CHIPAGA and collect a TOYOTA AQUA and USD20,000 for fuel. GOD BLESS YOU we need more patriotic Zimbabweans like you,” he said.
Kazembe has become known for carrying out dangerous underwater recovery missions across Harare, often assisting families in retrieving bodies from rivers, ponds and other water bodies.
The Budiriro operation, which involved the recovery of three bodies from a council pond, drew widespread public attention and praise for his bravery and professionalism.
Efforts to get comment from Kazembe were not immediately successful.
