Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights calls for transparent probe into Kariba ferry disaster

The organization extended condolences to the victims' families and emphasized the need for accountability. As of August 12, 77 survivors had been rescued, with search and recovery operations ongoing. The Mbuya Nehanda ferry, owned by the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency, capsized on Lake Kariba while traveling from Kariba to Chalala.

ZLHR stated that the tragedy raises significant questions about public transport safety, regulatory compliance, emergency preparedness, and oversight mechanisms on Lake Kariba. Citing Section 48 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to life, ZLHR asserted that authorities have a duty to protect this right. The organization noted that the government's declaration of the incident as a national disaster acknowledges deficiencies in the country's maritime safety capabilities.

ZLHR advocates for an impartial, evidence-based investigation to determine the circumstances of the sinking, assess vessel inspection and operation adequacy, and identify any failures by operators, regulators, or public officials, including potential criminal, civil, or regulatory liabilities. The ZLHR urged authorities to make the investigation's findings public, address identified liabilities, and strengthen maritime safety and emergency measures to prevent future disasters. They also called