Online Reporter
Zimpapers Correspondent
THE first major criminal trial related to the Mbuya Nehanda ferry disaster, which claimed 97 lives on Lake Kariba, is now underway in the resort town.
A top RURAL Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA) official is in custody over the tragedy.
Kariba District Clerk and acting RIDA district head, Ignitious Chiome, appeared before the Kariba Magistrates’ Court yesterday facing charges of culpable homicide charge over the August 11 tragedy.
He was remanded in custody until today when the court is expected to hear his bail application.
The State alleges that administrative failures, overloading and breaches of safety procedures contributed to the sinking of the ferry.
Preliminary findings presented to Cabinet indicate that the 41-year-old vessel was carrying up to 178 passengers and heavy cargo when it left Andora Harbour for Chalala fishing camps.
The vessel was only authorised to carry 90 passengers.
Investigators are also looking into allegations that the ferry was allowed to sail despite severe weather warnings issued by the Meteorological Services Department over strong south-westerly winds known as the Binga Wave.
About 30 minutes into the journey, rough waters started flooding the deck and submerged the bilge pump, resulting in engine failure before the ferry capsized.
Some survivors are believed to have told investigators that they pleaded with the crew to turn back or seek shelter at nearby islands as the weather deteriorated, but their pleas were allegedly ignored.
The tragedy prompted President Mnangagwa to declare a State of Disaster, triggering a major search-and-recovery operation involving sub-aqua units and local divers.
The operation was recently completed, with recovery teams retrieving bodies from depths of up to 80 metres.
Investigations are continuing, with authorities probing the conduct of RIDA management and the ferry crew.
Further arrests have not been ruled out as investigators work to establish who should be held accountable for the disaster.
The case has also intensified public calls for answers over how the ferry, which was carrying twice its authorised passenger capacity, was allowed to undertake the journey.
