BULAWAYO, Aug. 18 (NewsDay Live) — Ndebele King Bulelani Lobengula Khumalo has expressed condolences to families affected by the Lake Kariba ferry disaster, while calling for greater accountability and strict adherence to safety standards.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Bornwel Khumalo, the king described the disaster as deeply distressing and questioned how such lapses could occur.
“We are deeply saddened by the Kariba disaster. The level of negligence leaves us questioning how on earth can management of any institution display such carelessness. Condolences to the families,” Khumalo said.
The Rural Infrastructure Development Agency-operated ferry Mbuya Nehanda capsized on Aug. 11 while travelling from Kariba towards Chalala and surrounding fishing communities.
The vessel, which had a certified capacity of 90 passengers, was carrying more people than its approved limit when it overturned in rough conditions, triggering a major search and recovery operation.
Zimbabwe declared the incident a state of disaster as emergency teams intensified efforts to rescue survivors and recover bodies.
The latest official figures put the death toll at 92, with search and recovery operations continuing.
The disaster has sparked nationwide mourning, with mass funerals and memorial services held in Kariba as families gathered to identify and bury their relatives.
- Briefs: Bulawayo residents challenge King Mambo
- Garwe’s Ndebele king jibe backfires
- Editorial Comment: Ministers fuelling intolerance shameful
- Row erupts over secret deals, cattle gift to Zulu king
Keep Reading
The tragedy has also raised questions over passenger manifests, vessel capacity, safety procedures and regulatory oversight on Lake Kariba.
King Bulelani Lobengula’s statement comes amid growing calls for a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident and accountability for any safety breaches.
Lake Kariba is one of the world’s largest artificial lakes by volume and serves as an important transport and economic route for communities living along its shores and surrounding islands. Its vast waters can, however, become hazardous during periods of strong winds and rough waves.
Khumalo said the royal house stood in solidarity with bereaved families and communities affected by the disaster.
The accident has renewed calls for stricter enforcement of passenger capacity limits, improved maritime safety standards and stronger emergency preparedness on the lake.
As recovery operations continue, families are still awaiting answers over what caused the disaster and whether adequate measures were in place to prevent the loss of life.
