WATCH LIVE As Gambakwe reveals that there were over 200 people on the Nehanda boat that sank at Kariba this week.
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Official government sources initially reported 90–120 passengers aboard the Nehanda boat. However, local community updates and worker accounts confirm there were over 200 people on the vessel when it sank.
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Current Casualty Figures: As of the latest reports, 46 bodies have been recovered, 77 people have been rescued, and approximately 80 passengers remain missing.
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Revenue and Ticketing Evidence: A local harbor worker who loads the boat and collects fares ($5–$10 per person) stated that 153 paying passengers were onboard for the trip, generating roughly $1,000 in revenue.
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Community Allegations of Negligence: A spokesperson for the local Tonga community has accused the government and the Office of the President of negligence, describing the disaster as an avoidable tragedy caused by poor oversight and missing infrastructure.
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Unequal Enforcement of Safety Rules: While private houseboat operators and local navigation authorities face strict inspections, the Nehanda boat—operating under the Office of the President—was reportedly exempt from safety checks and routinely allowed to operate overloaded.
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Planned Legal Action: The Tonga community intends to partner with Zimbabwe Human Rights Lawyers to file lawsuits against responsible officials, including those in the Office of the President, before the victims are buried.
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Boat’s Essential Role: The Nehanda boat is a critical lifeline for residents of rural islands and settlements around Lake Kariba, providing access to medical care, food, and markets for fishermen, traders, and families.
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Longstanding Safety Concerns: A personal observation from over a year ago noted the boat was poorly maintained, chronically overcrowded, and operated in harsh weather—with no meaningful upgrades despite consistent high earnings from fares.
