A mortuary attendant at Kariba Hospital has opened up about the emotional scars left by the Mbuya Nehanda ferry disaster.
Kangai Chuma, a Mola resident, handled the bodies of 97 people who drowned in the tragedy on 11 August. The experience became even more painful because several victims were his relatives, friends and former classmates.
Speaking to Kasambabezi FM, Chuma described the disaster as an experience he will struggle to forget. Before the tragedy, he usually received only one or two bodies of fishermen who drowned in Lake Kariba.
However, the scale of the disaster changed everything. Chuma began work at 8 am and sometimes remained on duty until 10 pm or 11 pm.
Late arrivals and paperwork prolonged his shifts, while he also worried about missing family members.
“I faced a lot of pressure as I had to manage work and check on my missing relatives,” he said.
“The scenes are still vivid in my mind. I saw each of the 97 bodies more than three times.”
Grief Behind the Mortuary Doors
Chuma faced an especially painful challenge when identifying people he knew personally. He broke down after discovering the body of a close friend’s child.
Moreover, he struggled to perform his duties while comforting a relative who had lost two children and a wife.
The physical conditions inside the mortuary added another layer of distress. Decomposed bodies and the overwhelming smell made his work extremely difficult.
Chuma said the stench affected his appetite, making it difficult to eat normally throughout the ordeal.
Despite the emotional and physical strain, he continued working as families desperately sought answers about their missing loved ones.
Why Chuma Refuses to Leave His Job
At one point, Chuma considered switching off his phone and remaining at home. However, his missing relatives and the scale of the tragedy persuaded him to continue.
His experience highlights the emotional burden faced by mortuary workers during large-scale disasters. These workers must carry out essential duties while confronting grief, traumatic scenes and personal loss.
Nevertheless, Chuma remains committed to his profession despite the painful memories.
“I will not quit my job, which I love so much. I will be at work even beyond 2030,” he said.
The post ‘I saw all 97 bodies’: Kariba mortuary worker opens up about ferry disaster appeared first on iHarare News.
