Online Reporter
Walter Nyamukondiwa
Mashonaland West Bureau Chief
JUDGMENT in the bail application made by RIDA acting boss, Ignitius Chiome, is expected to be delivered today.
He appeared before magistrate Edward Verenga at Kariba Magistrates Court yesterday.
The magistrate said the ruling was not yet complete. Chiome, the Kariba District Clerk and acting RIDA district head, was remanded in custody this week facing a charge of culpable homicide arising from the August 11 tragedy.
The Mbuya Nehanda ferry capsized on Lake Kariba, claiming 97 lives.
Karen Musiiwa is prosecuting.
The State alleges administrative failures, overloading of the vessel and breaches of operational safety procedures contributed to the disaster.
The ferry is said to have been carrying up to 180 passengers against an authorised capacity of 90 when it departed Andora Harbour for Chalala fishing camps.
Chiome’s lawyer, Samuel Muyemeki, confirmed the latest developments.
He said the matter had been remanded to today at midday when the court is expected to hand down its decision.
“The position as of now is that the judgment is not ready.
“The magistrate taking on the matter has ruled that the judgement has not been complete with regards to his bail application.
“The matter has been remanded to tomorrow (today) the 28th of August 2026 at 12 o’clock, whereupon we expect the judgement to be made.
“Obviously, there is no way we can pre-empt this matter.
“The court has to make a decision and that’s the position of the law. Once the decision is there, everyone concerned will have to know.”
