Police Release Names Of 44 Victims Of Lake Kariba Boat Accident

Police have released the names of 44 of the 46 people who died when a boat capsized on Lake Kariba on Tuesday, 11 August 2026.

The government-owned Mbuya Nehanda ferry, which had more than 150 people on board, capsized en route from Kariba to Chalala.

In a statement issued on Friday, 14 August 2026, Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesperson Commissioner Nyathi said the 44 deceased had been positively identified by their next of kin.

Among the deceased was the boat’s captain, Sign Patsikadova, 59, a resident of Batonga in Kariba.

Commissioner Nyathi said the identification of the remaining recovered bodies was still in progress, adding that police continued to work closely with relevant stakeholders and affected families in the identification and recovery process.

The victims are:

Sign Patsikadova (59), a male adult of 2999 Batonga, Kariba. He was the boat captain.

Smart Siamandonga (54), a male adult of Kalundu Village, Mola.

Shelton Magora (10), a male juvenile of 2161 Batonga, Kariba.

Hazvinei Chasara (39), a female adult of 1050 Nyamhunga 2, Kariba.

Shalom Ndere (9), a female juvenile of 879 Nyamhunga 2, Kariba.

Mukudzei Kangwara (2), a male juvenile of 1166 Nyamhunga 2, Kariba.

Isabel Sango (50), a female adult of 879 Nyamhunga 2, Kariba.

Ratidzai Tasara (50), a female adult of 5410 Mukoba, Gweru.

Debra Chadenga (49), a female adult of 5961 Kuwadzana 7, Harare.

Olain Siyachuka (2 years 7 months), a female juvenile of Nego Village, Chief Mola.

Tamari Matsangu, a female adult.

Plaxedix Madiro (42), a female adult of 1536 Nyamhunga 3, Kariba.

Chipo Muzinda Chitsamba (37), a female adult of Musipa Village, Chief Shumba, Masvingo.

Spiwe Aggiffa Katore (61), a female adult of DDF Staff Quarters.

Lucia Mereki, a female adult of Siakaloba Village, Chief Mola.

Shupikai Makawu, a female adult of Mangwara Village, Chief Mola.

Enita Mazhomba, a female adult of Ngwara Village, Chief Mola.

Memory Chaka, a female adult of Hurungwe Prison, Karoi.

Cain Nzerombairi, a male juvenile of Nyawanda Farm, Karoi.

Average Murambatsvina, a male juvenile of 2559 Batonga, Nyamhunga, Kariba.

Permission Nzerombairi, a male adult of Nyawanda Farm, Karoi.

Keresiya Dhumbura (40), a female adult of 705 Nyamhunga 2, Kariba.

Kelly Busumani (4), a female juvenile of 8774 Chiedza, Karoi.

Alubo Nzira (6), a female juvenile of Kalundu Village, Chief Mola, Sabhuku Zvamoyo.

Wishmore Charindapanze (4), a male juvenile of 1625 Nyamhunga 3, Kariba.

McDonald Nyasha Gumpo (1 year 2 months), a male juvenile of 705 Nyamhunga 2, Kariba.

Anisha Chipuma (6), a female juvenile of 220 Nyamhunga 1, Kariba.

Lael Samanyanga (1 year 6 months), a male juvenile of Hurungwe, Karoi.

Gomo Tapiwa (39), a male adult of Hurungwe Prison, Karoi.

Patience Ndebele (3), a female juvenile of Giachimba 1 Village, Chief Sinakatenge.

Connic Mutale (2), a male juvenile of King’s Camp, Kariba.

Hailly Tauro (1 year 2 months), a male juvenile of 523 Nyamhunga 1, Kariba.

Wendy Ndandarika (1), a female juvenile of 1233 Nyamhunga 3, Kariba.

Petronella Lembani (26), a female adult of Claudia, Karoi.

Nashrey Pensula (5), a female juvenile of Claudia, Karoi.

Anashe Pensula (3), a male juvenile of Claudia, Karoi.

Precious Nyajina (57), a female adult of Corner Store, Seke, Chitungwiza.

Constance Siampongo (37), a female adult of Chilimamba Village, Chief Mola.

Daisy Siachiwa (23), a female adult of Mangwara Village, Chief Mola.

Luoisa Kayi (24), a female adult of 328 Nyamhunga 1, Kariba.

Handespike Charindapanze (54), a male adult of Msamba Fishing Camps.

Susan Muntanga (41), a female adult of Padenga Holdings Staff Quarters.

Moleen Mandirera (34), a female adult of Nyawanda Farm, Karoi.

Marven Dope (46), a male adult of 2 Oversees, Mola.