The government has rejected claims that the stricken Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA) Mbuya Nehanda ferry drifted into Zambian waters after capsizing on Lake Kariba on 11 August 2026.
Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe said preliminary investigations showed the RIDA vessel had travelled about five kilometres into the lake before the disaster.
Garwe was speaking at the 27th post-Cabinet briefing in Harare on Tuesday, where he gave an update on the Government’s response to the tragedy.
“Preliminary investigations indicate the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA), Mbuya Nehanda ferry, which capsized along Lake Kariba on 11 August 2026, was carrying about 180 passengers, thus exceeding its carrying capacity,” Garwe said.
“The vessel reportedly capsized after being struck by strong waves.”
The minister said the voyage had proceeded despite warnings from the Meteorological Services Department (MSD) advising lake users against sailing.
Police have since put the death toll at 94, as search and recovery operations continue.
Government also dismissed suggestions that the search for victims needed to be extended into Zambia because the vessel had crossed the international boundary.
Garwe insisted that the ferry did not enter Zambian waters before or after the accident.
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