Source: Govt insists tragic Mbuya Nehanda ferry did not enter Zambian waters –Newsday Zimbabwe
HARARE, Aug. 18 (NewsDay Live) — Government has dismissed reports that the Mbuya Nehanda ferry drifted into Zambian waters after capsizing on Lake Kariba, insisting the vessel remained in Zimbabwean waters.
Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe said preliminary investigations showed the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA) vessel, which capsized on Aug. 11, had travelled about five kilometres into the lake before the disaster.
Garwe was speaking at the 27th post-Cabinet briefing in Harare, where he gave an update on the government’s response to the tragedy.
“Preliminary investigations indicate the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency, RIDA, Mbuya Nehanda ferry, which capsized along Lake Kariba on 11 August 2026, was carrying about 180 passengers, thus exceeding its carrying capacity,” Garwe said.
“The vessel reportedly capsized after being struck by strong waves.”
The minister said the voyage had proceeded despite warnings from the Meteorological Services Department advising lake users against sailing.
Police have since put the death toll at 94, as search and recovery operations continue.
Government also rejected claims that the search for victims needed to be extended into Zambia because the vessel had crossed the international boundary.
Garwe said the ferry did not enter Zambian waters before or after the accident, dismissing reports circulating on social media and elsewhere about its location.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has declared the tragedy a state of disaster in terms of Section 27(1) of the Civil Protection Act and directed government agencies to provide assistance to affected families.
“The President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Comrade Dr E.D. Mnangagwa, declared the incident a state of disaster in terms of Section 27.1 of the Civil Protection Act and directed all relevant authorities to provide affected families with funeral services, medical assistance and psychosocial support,” Garwe said.
Government is providing state-assisted burials through Doves and Nyaradzo funeral services. In addition, Old Mutual is providing free funeral services for families in need.
Investigations are also underway to establish whether the vessel was structurally sound and whether operational and regulatory requirements were followed.
Search and recovery operations involve the Department of Civil Protection, the Zimbabwe Republic Police Sub-Aqua Unit and the Zimbabwe National Army Boat Squadron, with a private helicopter from the Matusadona Conservation Trust also deployed.
Authorities have urged members of the public and other Lake Kariba users to remain vigilant and report any floating debris that could assist recovery teams.
The disaster has raised fresh questions over passenger safety, vessel capacity and enforcement of warnings on Zimbabwe’s major inland water bodies
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