Kariba ferry disaster: Families accuse authorities of neglect amid ongoing search for victims

As of yesterday evening, 46 bodies have been recovered, but several individuals remain unaccounted for. Mourners gathered at Kariba District Hospital report relying on unofficial updates and social media for information, rather than official channels. One man, awaiting the bodies of two relatives, highlighted the lack of communication, stating, "We hear things from WhatsApp groups before we hear from the people who are supposed to be in charge."

He also criticized the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency RIDA, owner of the Mbuyanehanda KF551, for not assisting families with transport to the hospital. Tensions escalated with a demonstration outside the hospital, where protesters threatened to take their grievances to the District Development Coordinator’s offices. In response, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution in Mashonaland West, Marion Chombo, affirmed the government's commitment to affected families, appealing for peace and unity.

Chombo also commended the efforts of police, army personnel, volunteers, community members, and other stakeholders involved in the search operations around the Musambakaruma Islands. RIDA was unavailable for comment on the allegations. Families continue their vigil at the hospital mortuary, seeking clos