POLICE have released the names of 44 of the 46 people who died after a passenger ferry owned by the Rural Infrastructure Development Authority capsized near Long Island on Lake Kariba on Tuesday afternoon.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has since declared the Kariba boat tragedy a State of Disaster.
According to police, the captain indicated the vessel had 120 people on board heading from Kariba to Chalala — 108 adults and 12 children. However, investigations suggest the ferry may have been carrying more passengers.
Among the dead was the captain of the Mbuya Nehanda ferry.
In a statement, national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said: “Reference is made to the Zimbabwe Republic Police’s post on the X platform regarding the Rural Infrastructure Development Authority (RIDA) boat accident which occurred on 11 August 2026 in Lake Kariba. The Zimbabwe Republic Police releases the names of 44 victims who were identified by their next of kin.”
The identified victims are:
Captain
Sign Patsikadova (59) of 2999 Batonga, Kariba
Adults
Smart Siamandonga (54) of Kalundu Village, Chief Mola; Hazvinei Chasara (39) of 1050 Nyamhunga 2, Kariba; Isabel Sango (50) of 879 Nyamhunga 2, Kariba; Ratidzai Tasara (50) of 5410 Mukoba, Gweru; Debra Chadenga (49) of 5961 Kuwadzana 7, Harare; Tamari Matsangu; Plaxedix Madiro (42) of 1536 Nyamhunga 3, Kariba; Chipo Muzinda Chitsamba (37) of Musipa Village, Chief Shumba, Masvingo; Spiwe Aggiffa Katore (61) of DDF Staff Quarters; Lucia Mereki of Siakaloba Village, Chief Mola; Shupikai Makawu of Mangwara Village, Chief Mola; Enita Mazhomba of Ngwara Village, Chief Mola; Memory Chaka of Hurungwe Prison, Karoi; Permission Nzerombairi of Nyawanda Farm, Karoi; Keresiya Dhumbura (40) of 705 Nyamhunga 2, Kariba; Gomo Tapiwa (39) of Hurungwe Prison, Karoi; Sabhuku Zvamoyo
Children/Juveniles
Shelton Magora (10) of 2161 Batonga, Kariba; Shalom Ndere (9) of 879 Nyamhunga 2, Kariba; Mukudzei Kangwara (2) of 1166 Nyamhunga 2, Kariba; Olain Siyachuka (2 years 7 months) of Nego Village, Chief Mola; Cain Nzerombairi of Nyawanda Farm, Karoi; Average Murambatsvina of 2559 Batonga, Nyamhunga, Kariba; Kelly Busumani (4) of 8774 Chiedza, Karoi; Alubo Nzira (6) of Kalundu Village, Chief Mola; Wishmore Charindapanze (4) of 1625 Nyamhunga 3, Kariba; Mcdonald Nyasha Gumpo (1 year 2 months) of 705 Nyamhunga 2, Kariba; Anisha Chipuma (6) of 220 Nyamhunga 1, Kariba; Lael Samanyanga (1 year 6 months) of Hurungwe, Karoi; Patience Ndebele (3) of Giachimba 1 Village, Chief Sinakatenge; Connic Mutale (2) of King’s Camp, Kariba; Hailly Tauro (1 year 2 months) of 523 Nyamhunga 1, Kariba
Two victims remain unidentified.
The localised weather bulletin for the lake had indicated largely calm conditions and light breezes, with a high-pressure ridge extending from South Africa into Zimbabwe and Zambia.
The bulletin, however, flagged a strengthening South Indian Ocean anticyclone, bringing a moderate gradient and light-to-moderate north-easterly to south-easterly airflow. Winds were expected to reach Force 1 to Force 2 and occasionally Force 3 in the afternoon.
Mariners had been cautioned to watch for localised choppy conditions as afternoon winds increased over exposed sections of the lake — conditions in which the ferry capsized.
Comm Nyathi said rescued victims were taken to Mahombe-kombe Primary School Command Centre for medical attention and further management.
