Kariba MP Shares Devastating Family Toll After Lake Kariba Boat Disaster
Kariba MP Shine Gwangwaba has revealed that his family lost his sister and at least 15 close relatives after the Mbuya Nehanda boat capsized on Lake Kariba on Tuesday, 11 August 2026. The opposition legislator said several families in the Kariba area were also dealing with multiple losses following the disaster.
Gwangwaba told the Masvingo Mirror that the scale of the tragedy had left Kariba mourning, with families already gathering for funerals.
“I have lost a sister and at least 15 close relatives, neighbours lost relatives and the village lost several people.”
Mbuya Nehanda Disaster Leaves Families Searching
The Mbuya Nehanda was travelling from Kariba town to Chilala Fishing Camp across Lake Kariba when it capsized during the afternoon.
Initial figures released by police indicated that the vessel was carrying 90 passengers and five crew members.
However, the number of people aboard remains unclear. An incident report cited by the Masvingo Mirror stated that 114 adult passengers had been confirmed through tickets, in addition to five crew members and an undisclosed number of children below ticketing age.
The report also indicated that 77 passengers had been rescued alive, while 15 bodies had been recovered from the lake.
The conflicting figures have made it difficult to establish the full number of people who were aboard when the boat overturned.
Kariba Villages Count Their Losses
Gwangwaba said Mola Village, under Chief Mola, was among the communities affected by the disaster.
He said several families had lost more than one relative, while others were still waiting for information about loved ones who had not returned.
“As I speak we are already gathered here in Kariba rural for the funeral of my sister and other relatives.”
Another source told the Masvingo Mirror that relatives remained at the lakeside on Tuesday evening, waiting for news about missing family members.
Police have urged the public to be cautious about circulating casualty figures while rescue and recovery operations continue.
The full toll of the Mbuya Nehanda disaster remains subject to official confirmation.
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