Online Reporter
Zimpapers Writer
EIGHTEEN children, including a one-year-old toddler, were among the 44 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 in Kariba. 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 among the youngest victims identified following the tragedy.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) yesterday released the names of the 44 victims whose bodies had been positively identified by their next of kin after the accident, which occurred on August 11.
The list reveals that children accounted for more than a third of the confirmed fatalities, highlighting the devastating human toll of one of the country’s worst recent boating disasters.
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 the ages of Cain Nzerombairi and Average Murambatsvina but classified both as juveniles.
The victims came from communities in Kariba, Mola and Karoi, as well as from 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 captain of the ill-fated boat.
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).
Police said the names were released after the victims had been identified by their next of kin.
