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RIDA boss remanded over Nehanda ferry disaster
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Kariba District Clerk and acting Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA) district head Ignitious Chiome has appeared in court facing culpable homicide charges in connection with the Mbuya Nehanda ferry disaster, which claimed 97 lives on Lake Kariba.
Chiome appeared before the Kariba Magistrates' Court on Wednesday and was remanded in custody pending the determination of his bail application.
He is expected to remain in custody until Thursday, August 27, 2026, when the court is scheduled to determine whether he should be released on bail.
The 41-year-old ferry was reportedly carrying as many as 180 passengers, together with heavy cargo, despite having an authorised capacity of 90 passengers.
The State alleges that overloading, operational failures and administrative negligence contributed to the disaster on August 11.
Prosecutors are continuing investigations into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy and have indicated that further arrests could follow as investigators identify other individuals who may have contributed to the loss of life.
Chiome's arrest marks a significant development in the investigation, with authorities now focusing on possible failures in the management, oversight and operation of the ferry.
The Mbuya Nehanda disaster is one of the deadliest maritime tragedies in Zimbabwe's recent history, with the high death toll prompting scrutiny of safety procedures, passenger capacity controls and administrative oversight on Lake Kariba.
Investigations into the disaster remain ongoing.
Chiome appeared before the Kariba Magistrates' Court on Wednesday and was remanded in custody pending the determination of his bail application.
He is expected to remain in custody until Thursday, August 27, 2026, when the court is scheduled to determine whether he should be released on bail.
The 41-year-old ferry was reportedly carrying as many as 180 passengers, together with heavy cargo, despite having an authorised capacity of 90 passengers.
Prosecutors are continuing investigations into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy and have indicated that further arrests could follow as investigators identify other individuals who may have contributed to the loss of life.
Chiome's arrest marks a significant development in the investigation, with authorities now focusing on possible failures in the management, oversight and operation of the ferry.
The Mbuya Nehanda disaster is one of the deadliest maritime tragedies in Zimbabwe's recent history, with the high death toll prompting scrutiny of safety procedures, passenger capacity controls and administrative oversight on Lake Kariba.
Investigations into the disaster remain ongoing.
Source - The Herald
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