Ignatius Chiome, the 49-year-old District Coordinator for the Kariba Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA), has been arrested and charged with culpable homicide in connection with the devastating Lake Kariba ferry disaster. The incident, which occurred on August 11, saw the RIDA-operated Mbuya Nehanda ferry capsize, resulting in the deaths of 97 people. Authorities confirmed that the vessel was severely overloaded, exceeding its authorized capacity of 90 passengers, when it encountered rough conditions on the lake. Chiome has been remanded in custody as investigations into Zimbabwe’s deadliest recorded maritime accident continue.
Key Players Involved
- Ignatius Chiome: RIDA District Coordinator, arrested and charged with culpable homicide.
- Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA): Operator of the Mbuya Nehanda ferry.
- Victims’ Families: Those who lost loved ones in the tragic capsizing.
Event Timeline
- August 11, 2026: The Mbuya Nehanda ferry capsizes on Lake Kariba.
- August 20, 2026: Death toll confirmed at 97.
- August 27, 2026: Ignatius Chiome arrested and charged with culpable homicide.
