Illicit fishing activities at Lake Chivero continue despite a ban imposed by the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (Zimparks) in 2024. 
The ban followed the death of an estimated 1,000 fish from cyanobacteria poisoning.
The toxic outbreak was linked to raw sewage runoff from the Marimba area, which polluted the lake’s multiple bays and created hazardous conditions for aquatic life.
However, a survey by the <a href="https://www.theindependent.co.zw/local-news/article/200037352/fishermen-ignore-lake-chivero-ban">Independent</a> found that fishing persists at the lake. Vendors openly sell various fish species, including bream and catfish (muramba/umlamba), at Norton’s bustling fish market, allegedly sourced from Lake Chivero.
One local fisherwoman and vendor admitted to continuing her trade, showing little concern for potential health risks. She told the Independent:
<blockquote>
Most of the fish in the market are from Lake Chivero. l know them personally. They have their own distinct features and are big.
I do not think people will stop buying, selling or eating the fish despite fears that they may be contaminated.
We will continue to eat the fish; we have already done so and we are still alive. People wake up early in the morning before Zimparks arrive, and fish.
However, some fishermen and fisherwomen get them from Darwendale, it is close by, while some are picked from nearby bridges after being washed off from the lake.
</blockquote>
To assess the safety of fish sold in markets, the Independent purchased a catfish from Norton and had it tested at a reputable laboratory for chemical contaminants.
The results showed trace metals, including zinc, lead, cadmium, and mercury, but at levels considered safe for human consumption.
The lab tested the fish’s gills, liver, intestines, and muscle tissue. An official from the lab said the fish is safe to eat since it has no heavy metal contamination. The official said:
<blockquote>
The fish is safe to eat since it has no heavy metal contamination. There are trace metals present like zinc, lead, cadmium, manganese, iron, copper, mercury, arsenic, tin, cobalt and nickel.
The sample was mixed including the liver so there was too much iron, which is used for fortification.
</blockquote>
The results were zinc 25.9ppm, lead 0.22, manganese 1.64, iron 1.04, and copper 1.36. Cadmium, mercury, arsenic, tin, cobalt, nickel, and strontium were all &lt;0.01ppm.
However, the Independent could not verify if the catfish was caught from Lake Chivero.
Zimparks spokesperson Tinashe Farawo said the authority has increased law enforcement to protect lives.
He added that research is ongoing to determine why species like catfish and crocodiles survived the cyanobacteria outbreak while others died.
According to Zimparks, the cyanobacteria outbreak has killed four white rhinoceroses, three zebras, numerous birds, livestock, and over 1,000 fish.

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Despite a ban on fishing at Lake Chivero due to poisoned fish, people are still catching and selling fish from the lake. Some vendors say the fish are safe to eat, but tests show low levels of metals. The authorities are trying to stop illegal fishing and understand why some animals survive the poisoning while others die. The ban was put in place to protect lives, but people continue to fish illegally and sell the fish at markets like nothing happened.

Illicit Fishing Continues Unabated At Lake Chivero Despite Ban

The government has announced that the ban on fishing activities at Lake Chivero will remain in effect until the Ministry of Health and Child Care completes thorough investigations.
This decision follows the death of wildlife and fish around the lake, which is suspected to be linked to raw effluent being discharged into the water daily by the City of Harare.
During a media briefing at the Munhumutapa Building in Harare on Thursday, Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife Sithembiso Nyoni described the situation at Lake Chivero as critical.
She said that there is a need for a comprehensive approach to address pollution and ecological disturbances in the water body. Said Nyoni:
<blockquote>
Going forward, we will rope in the Ministry of Health to do the finding because we want to save lives. The ban cannot be lifted now and a whole of government and stakeholders’ approach is required to reverse the situation at Chivero.
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Minister of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services Jenfan Muswere said:
<blockquote>
We know that the councillors who are running Harare have failed, we hope that the Commission of Inquiry will determine if the councillors elected to run the authority can be replaced owing to their failures.
</blockquote>
Lake Chivero, located approximately 40 km southwest of Harare, is facing severe pollution, siltation, and ecological disturbances.
More than 20,000 families depend on the lake for both water and their livelihoods, particularly through fishing.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The government has said no fishing at Lake Chivero due to fish and wildlife deaths. The pollution is from sewage by Harare. The Minister of Environment called the situation "critical". They need help from Health Ministry to solve the problem. People are worried about the water quality. The government might replace Harare councillors. The lake is polluted and this affects many families who rely on it for water and fishing.

Government Extends Fishing Ban At Lake Chivero

The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) has dismissed claims circulating on social media that the recent deaths of wildlife and fish at Lake Chivero were due to cyanide poisoning.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, December 25, ZimParks Spokesperson Tinashe Farawo reiterated that the fatalities were caused by cyanobacteria.
He said investigations conducted by the University of Zimbabwe, as well as assessments carried out by ZimParks’ Veterinary and Capture Unit, established that cyanobacteria was the cause of the deaths. Said Farawo:
<blockquote>
Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) has noted with concern a letter circulating on social media alleging that the recent deaths of wildlife and fish at Lake Chivero are attributed to cyanide poisoning.
We wish to assure the public that thorough investigations conducted by the University of Zimbabwe and our own Veterinary and Capture Unit have conclusively shown that the deaths are, in fact, caused by cyanobacteria.
The Authority categorically distances itself from any misinformation circulating on various social media platforms.
We urge the public to disregard such unfounded claims and rely on official communication channels for accurate information.
ZimParks is committed to ensuring that the problem currently affecting Lake Chivero is rectified to preserve our natural heritage.
We are working tirelessly with relevant stakeholders to address the issue and prevent future occurrences.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZimParks says wildlife and fish at Lake Chivero did not die from cyanide. They say cyanobacteria caused the deaths. ZimParks did investigations with the University of Zimbabwe and their own unit to find out the cause. They want people to ignore fake news on social media and trust official sources. ZimParks is working to fix the problem at Lake Chivero and stop it from happening again.

ZimParks Denies Cyanide Poisoning Claims In Lake Chivero Wildlife Deaths

ZANU PF Politburo member Supa Mandiwanzira has accused the opposition CCC party of deflecting blame for the contamination of Lake Chivero, which has resulted in the deaths of wildlife and domestic animals and poses a threat to millions of residents.
The polluted water has led to the deaths of fish and animals, endangering the health of millions who rely on this water source.
The CCC-dominated Harare City Council has blamed the central government for the crisis, prompting a response from ZANU PF.
In an interview with <a href="https://businesstimes.co.zw/lake-chivero-mess-zanu-pf-warns-council/">Business Times</a>, Mandiwanzira, who is the ZANU PF secretary for Local Government, criticized the local authority for allegedly playing political games with people’s lives to score “brownie points.” Said Mandiwanzira:
<blockquote>
We recognize there is a real crisis and at this point, it is pointless to be pointing accusatory fingers at this party and that party because, at the end of the day, we need to resolve it.
Animals are dying, the people are affected and it is the responsibility of ZANU PF and the ZANU PF government to make sure that all Zimbabweans including the animals have safe drinking water.
We all know that the challenges are as a result of the incompetence of those who are running the city of Harare who are mainly the opposition but at this point, we are a party in government which is responsible for addressing all issues including that mess.
</blockquote>
Mandiwanzira also urged Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume to stop blaming illegal settlements for the lake’s contamination, saying the local authority must prevent such settlements from emerging. He said:
<blockquote>
The government of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, the government of ZANU PF has been very clear it is opposed to land barons, it is opposed to developments that are taking place without authority. 
Ultimately the government does not go down to run the city of Harare or any other city, it is the responsibility of those given the mandate by the people of Harare to make sure these developments do not take place.
In most cases, we have found these illegal developments have plans approved by the same local authority so we believe this idea of pointing fingers at the government must stop.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZANU PF is upset with the CCC party for blaming them for the pollution of Lake Chivero in Harare, which is causing animal deaths and could harm people. They want to fix the problem instead of playing the blame game. ZANU PF thinks the Harare City Council should take responsibility for preventing illegal settlements near the lake that are polluting it. They say the government is against these settlements and the council should do its job properly to protect the water. It's important to stop fighting and work together to keep everyone safe.

ZANU PF Warns Harare City Council Over Lake Chivero Pollution

The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZIMPARKS) has temporarily banned fishing at Lake Chivero following the death of fish, wildlife and domestic animals, which is believed to be caused by water contamination.
ZIMPARKS spokesperson Tinashe Farawo confirmed that the fishing ban, which took effect on December 16, is a precautionary measure.
It will allow relevant government departments, along with the Research and Scientific Services team, to conduct investigations and assess whether consuming the fish poses any risks to human health. Said Farawo:
<blockquote>
All fishing activities in Lake Chivero have been suspended with immediate effect following the deaths of fish due to the contamination of water.
The suspension serves as a precautionary measure and will pave way for relevant Government departments and our Research and Scientific Services team to investigate more and determine whether the consumption of the fish poses risk to humans.
During this time, we are increasing anti-poaching patrols and law enforcement in areas around the lake to prevent any fish from reaching the market.
</blockquote>
Meanwhile, Richard Tsvangirai, the Member of Parliament for Norton (CCC), under whose constituency Lake Chivero falls, has urged the relevant authorities to expedite their investigations to safeguard both lives and livelihoods. Said Tsvangirai:
<blockquote>
The suspension of fishing at Lake Chivero is a serious blow to the livelihoods of many fishermen in Norton Constituency, the majority of whom are youth.
I urge the Government to fast-track investigations and provide immediate support for affected families. Let’s act swiftly to protect both lives and livelihoods.
</blockquote>
Chivero serves as the main water source for Harare residents, and concerns over its contamination have intensified in recent days.
This follows ZIMPARKS’ confirmation of the death of four rhinos, along with other wildlife, livestock, and birds, which perished after drinking from the lake.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZIMPARKS has stopped people from fishing at Lake Chivero because the water is contaminated and has killed fish and animals. They want to check if it's safe for people to eat the fish. The government is investigating. Richard Tsvangirai, a member of Parliament, is worried about the fishermen who rely on the lake for their livelihood. Lake Chivero provides water for people in Harare, so the contamination is a big concern. Four rhinos and other animals have died after drinking from the lake. The government needs to act quickly to protect people and animals.

ZIMPARKS Imposes Temporary Fishing Ban At Lake Chivero

The City of Harare said that reports of contamination at Lake Chivero are exaggerated, despite confirmation from the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (Zimparks) that several animals, including four rhinos, three zebras, four wildebeests, four fish eagles, as well as multiple goats and cattle, have died after drinking water from the lake.
In a statement issued on Monday, the City of Harare said a stakeholder meeting had been convened, bringing together council experts and representatives from other government agencies to address the reports of animal deaths linked to alleged contamination.
The council also said that further investigations will be conducted, and a joint statement from the City of Harare and the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) will be issued in due course. Said the City of Harare:
<blockquote>
Teams are already on the ground to take samples on the particular part of the lake the rhinos drink from. Animals are territorial and it appears they drink from the same place.
Residents are urged to ignore exaggerated social media and media reports that the whole lake has been contaminated.
</blockquote>
Earlier, Zimparks spokesperson Tinashe Farawo said that the deaths were caused by contamination from cyanobacteria in the lake’s water.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The City of Harare in Zimbabwe is saying that reports about Lake Chivero being contaminated are not true. Animals like rhinos and zebras have died after drinking from the lake, but the council says the contamination is not as bad as it seems. They are doing further investigations to find out the exact cause. The council is asking people to ignore exaggerated reports and wait for more information. The animals might have died from toxins in the water, but more tests are needed to be sure.

Harare City Council Claims Lake Chivero Is Not Contaminated

Over the weekend, more than 1,000 fish were found dead in Lake Chivero, according to the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (Zimparks).
In a statement issued on Sunday, December 15, Zimparks spokesperson Tinashe Farawo attributed the fish deaths to possible poisoning caused by sewage runoff from the Marimba area. Said Farawo:
<blockquote>
At least 1,000 fish were found dead over the weekend in Lake Chivero.
Preliminary investigations indicate that sewage runoff from the Marimba area has forced contaminated water into multiple bays, creating hazardous conditions for aquatic life.
High pollution results in a boom in algae growth, this increases oxygen demand on the water body resulting in high mortality for the fish.
As wind patterns continue to shift, we anticipate that this issue may further impact fish populations across the lake.
In response, our team is currently on the ground carrying out further investigations on a broader scale.
</blockquote>
Zimparks recently confirmed that four rhinos, three zebras, four wildebeests, and four fish eagles, along with several goats and cattle, have died after drinking water from Lake Chivero, the main water source for Harare.
Lake Chivero is facing a severe pollution crisis. The contamination is primarily from sewage effluent, industrial and domestic waste, and agricultural runoff.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

More than a thousand fish were found dead in Lake Chivero in Zimbabwe. The fish may have died because sewage from the Marimba area contaminated the water. Pollution causes algae to grow and use up oxygen, which can harm fish. The issue could spread to other parts of the lake. Other animals like rhinos and zebras have also been affected. The pollution in Lake Chivero is mainly from sewage, waste, and runoff from farms. Authorities are investigating the problem to try to help the animals and clean up the lake.

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