RIDA Senior Official To Spend Another Night In Custody After Bail Ruling Delayed
Ignitius Chiome, the Kariba District Clerk and acting Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA) district head, will spend another night in custody after a court delayed its decision on his bail application until Friday, August 28, 2026.
Chiome appeared before the Kariba Magistrates Court on Thursday, August 27, facing culpable homicide charges linked to the August 11 Mbuya Nehanda ferry disaster on Lake Kariba, which claimed 97 lives.
RIDA Official Remanded Until Friday
The court was expected to rule on whether Chiome should be released on bail.
However, Magistrate Edward Verenga said the ruling was not yet complete and postponed the decision.
Chiome’s lawyer, Samuel Muyemeki, confirmed that his client would remain in custody until Friday.
“The matter has been remanded to Friday, August 28, when the court is expected to hand down its decision.”
Karen Musiiwa is prosecuting the matter for the State.
Kariba Ferry Disaster Charges
The State alleges that administrative failures, overloading and breaches of operational safety procedures contributed to the disaster.
Investigators allege that the ferry may have been carrying as many as 180 passengers when it left Andora Harbour for the Chalala fishing camps.
The vessel’s authorised capacity was reportedly 90 passengers.
Chiome’s case is among the legal proceedings arising from the deadly ferry disaster.
What Happens Next?
For now, Chiome remains in custody while the court prepares its bail ruling.
The Kariba Magistrates Court is expected to determine his bail application on Friday, August 28.
The case remains ongoing, and the allegations against Chiome have not been proven in court.
The post RIDA Senior Official To Spend Another Night In Custody As Bail Ruling Is Delayed Over Kariba Ferry Disaster appeared first on iHarare News.
