Rescue teams assist passengers after the Mbuya Nehanda ferry capsized on Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe on Aug. 11, 2026. Photo: New Zimbabwe 

NNA News - Zimbabwean police have arrested a district official and charged him with culpable homicide in connection with the Lake Kariba ferry disaster that killed 97 people.

Ignatius Chiome, Kariba district coordinator for the Rural Infrastructure and Development Agency (RIDA), appeared before the Kariba Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday and was remanded in custody pending a ruling on his bail application. 

Zimbabwe Republic Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrest in a statement, saying, “The ZRP confirms the arrest and subsequent appearance in court of Kariba RIDA District Coordinator, Ignatius Chiome (49), on criminal charges of Culpable Homicide.” Chiome has not pleaded to the charge.

The arrest comes more than two weeks after the RIDA-operated Mbuya Nehanda ferry capsized on Lake Kariba on Aug. 11 while travelling from Kariba towards Chalala Fishing Camp. At least 97 people died in the disaster, while 77 were rescued, according to authorities. The incident has become Zimbabwe's deadliest recorded boat disaster.

Rescue teams assist passengers after the Mbuya Nehanda ferry capsized on Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe on Aug. 11, 2026. Photo: New Zimbabwe 

Preliminary investigations have raised questions about the number of passengers and the operation of the vessel before it left port. Authorities have said the ferry was carrying about 180 passengers and cargo, despite having an authorised capacity of 90 passengers. Preliminary findings presented to Cabinet indicated that more than 170 passengers and heavy cargo were aboard when the vessel departed Andora Harbour for Chalala fishing camps.

The State alleges that administrative failures, overloading and breaches of operational safety procedures contributed to the disaster. These remain allegations before the court. The ferry capsized during the crossing on Lake Kariba, with bad weather reported as a factor in the incident. A formal investigation is continuing to establish the circumstances that led to the sinking. Furthermore, the arrest has shifted part of the investigation towards the administrative responsibility surrounding the ferry's operation, rather than focusing solely on the circumstances at the time of the capsizing.

Police have continued to identify those who died in the disaster. The Zimbabwe Republic Police said three additional victims were identified by their next of kin this week, bringing the number of positively identified victims to 96. One victim remains unidentified, while the overall death toll stands at 97. Police have appealed to people with relatives who remain missing and may have been travelling aboard the ferry to come forward to assist with the identification process.

The disaster has raised broader questions about passenger safety, vessel capacity and oversight of transport services serving communities around Lake Kariba. Chiome's bail application is expected to be considered by the Kariba Magistrates' Court on Thursday. The investigation into the disaster remains ongoing.