Online Reporter
Freeman Razemba-Senior Reporter
Commissioner-General of Police, Steven Mutamba, has applauded members of the ZRP Support Unit’s Sub Aqua Unit and other officers for their role in the search, rescue and retrieval of bodies during the Kariba ferry disaster.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police Sub-Aqua Unit, Zimbabwe National Army Boat Squadron, local authorities and other relevant stakeholders worked together in the operation.
A total of 97 people died and 77 were rescued after a passenger ferry owned by the Rural Infrastructure Development Authority capsized near Long Island on Lake Kariba. The vessel, formerly under the Department of District Development Fund and now run by RIDA, was caught by strong winds locally known as the Binga Wave during the leg from Kariba town to Chalala Fishing Camp, taking on water through the cabin as the crew battled to keep it afloat.
Since August 11, 2026, Comm-Gen Mutamba has deployed two large boats, two small boats, more than 40 police Sub-Aqua members and other resources to co-ordinate the rescue of victims and the search for and recovery of bodies from Lake Kariba.
Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said Comm-Gen Mutamba on Thursday held a luncheon for the members in Harare.
“The Commissioner-General of Police, Steven Mutamba, has hosted a luncheon for ZRP members from the Support Unit’s Sub Aqua, ZRP Kariba District and Mashonaland West Provincial Headquarters who recently participated in the search, rescue and retrieval of bodies and survivors from the Kariba RIDA boat accident scene,” he said.
The Government has certified a privately owned ferry to restore water transport services on Lake Kariba following the August 11 tragedy that claimed 97 lives, while two more boats are being procured to service communities along the route. The restoration of ferry services is expected to ease transport challenges for communities and businesses along the shores of Lake Kariba, which rely on water transport to move people and goods and to access essential services.
President Mnangagwa subsequently declared the accident a State of Disaster, enabling the Government to mobilise resources for rescue, recovery and assistance to affected families.
