Online Reporter
Zimpapers Writer
EIGHTEEN children, including a one-year-old, were among the people who died when a Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA) boat capsized on Lake Kariba on Tuesday.
The youngest victim was Wendy Ndandarika, aged one, of Nyamhunga 3, Kariba, while McDonald Nyasha Gumpo and Hailly Tauro, both aged one year and two months, were also among those who perished.
Lael Samanyanga, aged one year and six months, and Olain Siyachuka, aged two years and seven months, were the other toddlers listed among the victims.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police yesterday released the names of 44 people whose bodies had been identified by their next of kin following the accident, which occurred on August 11.
The list shows that children accounted for more than a third of the confirmed victims, with the youngest aged between one and three years.
Other child victims were Mukudzei Kangwara (2), Connic Mutale (2), Patience Ndebele (3), Anashe Pensula (3), Kelly Busumani (4), Wishmore Charindapanze (4), Nashrey Pensula (5), Alubo Nzira (6), Anisha Chipuma (6), Shalom Ndere (9), Shelton Magora (10), Cain Nzerombairi and Average Murambatsvina.
Police did not provide ages for Cain Nzerombairi and Average Murambatsvina in the statement but classified both as juveniles.
The victims came from communities in Kariba, Mola and Karoi, as well as other parts of the country, including Gweru, Harare, Masvingo and Chitungwiza.
Among the adults identified was Sign Patsikadova (59) of Batonga, Kariba, who was the boat captain.
Other victims included Smart Siamandonga (54), Hazvinei Chasara (39), Isabel Sango (50), Ratidzai Tasara (50), Debra Chadenga (49), Tamari Matsangu, Plaxedis Madiro (42), Chipo Muzinda Chitsamba (37), Spiwe Aggiffa Katore (61), Lucia Mereke, Shupikai Makawu, Enita Mazhomba, Memory Chaka, Permission Nzerombairi, Keresiya Dhumbura (40), Gomo Tapiwa (39), Petronella Lembani (26), Precious Nyajina (57), Constance Siampongo (37) and Daisy Siachiwa (23).
The police said the names were released after the victims had been identified by their next of kin.
Bongani Ndlovu