RIDA District Coordinator Arrested Over Kariba Ferry Disaster
RIDA District Coordinator Arrested Over Kariba Ferry Disaster — Kariba District Clerk and acting Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA) district head Ignatius Chiome has been remanded in custody following his appearance before the Kariba Magistrates’ Court in connection with the Mbuya Nehanda ferry disaster that claimed 97 lives on Lake Kariba.
Chiome appeared in court on Wednesday facing a charge of culpable homicide arising from the August 11 disaster, one of Zimbabwe’s deadliest inland water transport accidents in recent years.
He was remanded in custody until Thursday, August 27, when his bail application is expected to be heard.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) confirmed Chiome’s arrest, saying he faces allegations linked to the ferry disaster.
According to the State, overloading, operational failures and administrative negligence are among the circumstances that allegedly contributed to the tragedy.
Court papers reportedly state that the 41-year-old ferry was carrying up to 180 passengers and heavy cargo, despite having an authorised capacity of 90 passengers.
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The ferry capsized in bad weather and rough waters on August 11 on Lake Kariba, which straddles the Zimbabwe-Zambia border.
Police have said 97 bodies have been recovered, including at least 30 children under the age of 10, while 77 people were rescued.
Authorities are continuing investigations into the circumstances surrounding the disaster, with further arrests not ruled out.
The State is expected to present more details as investigations continue to establish whether other individuals could face criminal charges over the tragedy.
