Online Reporter
Conrad Mupesa
Mashonaland West Bureau
ZANU PF National Chairman Cde Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri has joined the nation in mourning the victims of the Lake Kariba boat tragedy, which has so far claimed 46 lives.
The Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA)-owned Mbuya Nehanda capsized on Tuesday afternoon near Long Island while travelling from Kariba town to Chalala Fishing Camp amid strong waves.
The latest death toll was confirmed by the Zimbabwe Republic Police yesterday as search and recovery operations continued, with authorities saying the names of the victims would be released following identification by their next of kin.
Police have since released the names of 44 of the 46 victims.
At least 77 people were rescued, although the exact number of people who were aboard the vessel remains unclear.
Official ticket records indicated that 114 adults and five crew members were on board, while survivors have given higher estimates, including children who may not have required tickets.
The vessel had a stated capacity of 90 passengers.
Cde Muchinguri-Kashiri, who is also the Minister of Defence, expressed her condolences during the ZANU PF National People’s Conference Committee preparatory meeting held in Chinhoyi this morning.
Proceedings began with a minute of silence in honour of those who perished in the tragedy, as delegates stood in solidarity with bereaved families and those still awaiting news of their loved ones.
Cde Muchinguri-Kashiri said the tragedy had left the nation grieving.
“We have gathered here at a time when our nation is mourning the tragic loss of lives on Lake Kariba,” she said.
“As a party, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the affected families and pray for the speedy recovery of those injured. Let us continue to stand together as one people during this difficult period.”
The tragedy has since been declared a National Disaster by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who directed Government to mobilise resources to assist affected families and accelerate search, recovery and support operations.
A memorial service was held at Nyamhunga Stadium in Kariba yesterday, where families, Government officials and members of the community gathered to mourn the victims.
The coffins of those recovered were laid out at the stadium as the community grappled with the scale of the tragedy.
The disaster has raised concerns over maritime safety, with reports indicating that the ageing vessel may have been heavily overloaded.
Survivors have described passengers pleading with the captain to turn back after the boat began taking in water and encountered rough conditions.
Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the accident are expected to establish the full facts.
The search and recovery operation involves the Zimbabwe Republic Police Sub-Aqua Unit, Zimbabwe National Army Boat Squadron, Civil Protection Unit and other stakeholders, with specialised underwater teams deployed to retrieve bodies from the sunken vessel.
