Kariba Ferry Disaster: Lawyers Demand Answers As 46 Die In Lake Tragedy
Lawyers have called for an independent and transparent investigation into the Kariba ferry disaster after at least 46 people reportedly died when the Mbuya Nehanda ferry capsized on Lake Kariba.
The Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) made the call on Friday, 14 August 2026, as the search and recovery operation continued. The organisation said the scale of the tragedy raised serious questions about safety standards, inspections and oversight of ferry operations.
Lawyers Demand Answers After Kariba Ferry Disaster
The Mbuya Nehanda ferry, owned by the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency, was travelling from Kariba towards Chalala when it capsized.
NewsDay Live reported that at least 46 people had died and 77 survivors had been rescued by 12 August, although recovery efforts were still underway.
The lawyers said investigators should establish exactly what happened before the vessel went down and determine whether the ferry was properly inspected and operated.
They also want authorities to establish whether regulators, officials, the operator or other responsible institutions failed to meet their duties.
“Section 48 of the Constitution guarantees everyone the right to life,” the organisation said.
The group said the declaration of the disaster as a national disaster also highlighted concerns about the country’s ability to respond to maritime emergencies.
Calls For Investigation Findings To Be Made Public
The lawyers want the investigation to be independent, evidence-based and transparent.
They said its findings should be made public and that any criminal, civil or regulatory responsibility identified should be dealt with according to the law.
“The tragedy must not be reduced to a statistic or allowed to fade from public attention without meaningful action,” the organisation said.
The lawyers also called for stronger maritime safety rules, better emergency preparedness and tougher enforcement to reduce the risk of another disaster.
They urged authorities to assist affected families, including with the recovery of victims’ remains and appropriate compensation where applicable.
As of Friday, 14 August 2026, recovery operations on Lake Kariba were continuing.
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