Shifting the blame? RIDA official arrested for culpable homicide after fatal Kariba boat capsize
By Staff Reorter
Zimbabwean police have arrested a local official, Ignatius Chiome on allegations of culpable homicide following a boat capsize on Lake Kariba that killed at least 97 people, authorities confirmed Wednesday.
Ignatius Chiome, Kariba district coordinator for the Rural Infrastructure and Development Agency (RIDA), appeared in court following his arrest, police said in a statement on social media.
On Aug. 11, the passenger ferry traveling from Kariba town to Chalala Fishing Camp capsized on the lake bordering Zambia, reportedly due to bad weather. Authorities said 77 people were rescued.
Preliminary investigations showed that the boat was carrying about 180 passengers and cargo, exceeding its capacity. A formal investigation is underway to determine the cause of the country’s deadliest boat disaster.
Chiome appeared at the Kariba Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday facing charges of culpable homicide.
He will remain in custody until Thursday, August 27 2026, when his bail application is expected to be determined.
The State alleges that overloading, operational lapses and administrative negligence contributed to the August 11 tragedy.
The 41-year-old ferry was reportedly carrying up to 180 passengers and heavy cargo, despite having an authorised capacity of 90 passengers.
Investigations are continuing with prosecutors indicating that more arrests of those implicated in the tragedy are expected.
