Lake Kariba Ferry Disaster Inquiry Begins As Board Investigates How Vessel Capsized, Killing 97
The investigation into the Lake Kariba ferry disaster that claimed 97 lives is now underway, with a government-appointed board expected to establish what went wrong before the vessel capsized on August 11, 2026.
The probe will look into how the ferry was loaded, whether it operated within its authorised capacity and if its crew and the relevant regulatory authorities met the required safety standards.
Also Read: Lake Kariba Cleansing Set For October After 97 Die In Ferry Disaster
Three-Month Deadline For Investigation
According to The Herald, the inquiry is expected to conclude within three months, although the period can be extended by a further month if necessary. Hearings will be held in Kariba, where the fatal incident occurred at around 1pm.
The board was appointed by Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona through a Government Gazette notice issued under the Inland Waters Shipping Act.
Supreme Court Judge Justice Joseph Mafusire will chair the panel, working alongside Mashonaland East Provincial Police Commanding Officer Dr Wiklef Makamache and Advocate Patronella Musarurwa. The ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Engineer Joy Makumbe, will serve as secretary.
Mhona met the appointed members at his Harare offices yesterday as the inquiry got underway.
Minister Says Preliminary Findings Are Not Enough
Mhona said the initial investigations had not provided sufficient answers to the questions surrounding the disaster, necessitating a more detailed examination of the circumstances.
He said establishing the board was necessary given the scale of the incident and the ministry’s responsibility for administering inland water shipping and navigation under the law.
The minister also cited international shipping and navigation standards recommended by the International Maritime Organisation, which support inquiries into serious incidents to establish their causes and inform preventive measures.
“We are all now aware of what transpired on the fateful day, and we can only say ‘may the dear souls of the deceased victims rest in eternal peace’,” Mhona said.
Justice Mafusire Accepts National Responsibility
Justice Mafusire welcomed the appointment, saying the panel recognised the importance of the responsibility entrusted to it.
“It is a national duty; it is a duty that we embrace whole heartedly and we would like to express our gratitude to those that have shown confidence in selecting us to run this inquiry,” he said.
The board’s work is expected to produce findings that could clarify the circumstances surrounding the deaths and help establish whether failures in vessel operations, safety compliance or oversight contributed to the disaster.
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