World
Zimbabwe arrests official after boat sinking that killed 97
The ageing and overloaded passenger ferry, a vital transport link for rural communities, capsized in bad weather and rough waters on August 11 on the vast Lake Kariba on the border with Zambia.
A pallbearer overlooks coffins during a memorial service held for some of the victims of the capsized Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA) passenger ferry at Nyamhunga Stadium in Kariba, on August 13, 2026. (Photo by Jekesai NJIKIZANA / AFP)
By: AFP ., Journalist @New Vision
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HARARE — Zimbabwe police said Wednesday they had arrested a district official on criminal charges of culpable homicide after the sinking of a government-run ferry that claimed at least 97 lives.
The ageing and overloaded passenger ferry, a vital transport link for rural communities, capsized in bad weather and rough waters on August 11 on the vast Lake Kariba on the border with Zambia.
Police have said 97 bodies were recovered, including those of at least 30 children under 10. Seventy-seven people were rescued.
Police have said 97 bodies were recovered, including those of at least 30 children under 10. Seventy-seven people were rescued.
The Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA) vessel had capacity for 90 passengers, according to authorities.
The 49-year-old Kariba RIDA district coordinator who was arrested had already appeared in court, police said in a statement.
Lake Kariba straddles the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia and is the world's largest man-made lake by volume.
The 49-year-old Kariba RIDA district coordinator who was arrested had already appeared in court, police said in a statement.
Lake Kariba straddles the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia and is the world's largest man-made lake by volume.