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Source: Kariba ferry disaster: Govt demands answers – herald

Mukudzei Chingwere

Senior Reporter

GOVERNMENT will institute a formal inquest into the Lake Kariba passenger ferry disaster after preliminary investigations revealed that the ill-fated vessel was overloaded and may have been left vulnerable to known hazardous conditions on the lake.

Speaking at a post-Cabinet media briefing in Harare yesterday, Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe said the Government had already commenced formal investigations and would now move to determine the precise circumstances that led to the capsizing of the RIDA Mbuya Nehanda ferry last week.

Concerns have been raised about whether the ferry was fit for purpose, but Government has dismissed allegations that the boat was dilapidated.

Minister Garwe said the ferry held a fitness certificate that had been authenticated through the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, adding that Cabinet had approved the inquest to uncover “exactly what took place.”

“The boat had a fitness certificate or certification through the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development,” said Minister Garwe.

“The problems that occurred were as a result of negligence. Cabinet has approved that we go ahead and put in place an inquest to start investigations into exactly what took place.”

Speaking during the same media briefing, Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Minister Senator Monica Mutsvangwa, who chaired the post-Cabinet session, updated the nation on Cabinet’s discussion of the disaster and the preliminary findings.

She said Cabinet had received the official report on the accident, which has so far confirmed 94 deaths and reported that the ferry was carrying approximately 180 passengers and goods—which is double the vessel’s carrying capacity of 90.

Authorities further noted that the capsizing occurred after the ferry was struck by strong waves.

Government said the Meteorological Services Department had issued an early warning, instructing all users of the lake not to sail.

“The nation is advised that preliminary investigations indicate that the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA)’s Mbuya Nehanda ferry, which capsized on Lake Kariba on 11 August 2026, was ferrying about 180 passengers and goods, thus exceeding its carrying capacity,” said Sen Mutsvangwa.

“The vessel reportedly capsized after being struck by strong waves. Government notes that the Meteorological Services Department had issued an early warning advising all lake users against sailing.”

So far, 77 passengers have been rescued from the accident, while the remains of 94 have been retrieved, and seven people—confirmed by relatives to have been on board—are still missing.

“Government has commenced formal investigations, which include examining the structural remains of the vessel and probing operational and compliance issues,” said Sen Mutsvangwa.

President Mnangagwa has since declared the incident a State of Disaster in terms of Section 27(1) of the Civil Protection Act and directed all relevant authorities to provide affected families with funeral services, medical assistance, and psycho-social support to help them cope with trauma arising from the incident.

“Accordingly, Government is providing State-assisted burials through Doves and Nyaradzo Funeral Services,” said Sen Mutsvangwa.

She said the Department of Civil Protection continues to coordinate search, rescue, and recovery operations in collaboration with the Zimbabwe Republic Police Sub-Aqua Unit and the Zimbabwe National Army Boat Squadron, local authorities, and relevant stakeholders.

“The operations continue to intensify, with a privately owned helicopter from the Matusadona Conservation Trust deployed to support rescue efforts. All Lake Kariba users are urged to remain vigilant and urgently report any floating objects,” said Sen Mutsvangwa.

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Source: Govt insists tragic Mbuya Nehanda ferry did not enter Zambian waters –Newsday Zimbabwe

HARARE, Aug. 18 (NewsDay Live) — Government has dismissed reports that the Mbuya Nehanda ferry drifted into Zambian waters after capsizing on Lake Kariba, insisting the vessel remained in Zimbabwean waters.

Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe said preliminary investigations showed the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA) vessel, which capsized on Aug. 11, had travelled about five kilometres into the lake before the disaster.

Garwe was speaking at the 27th post-Cabinet briefing in Harare, where he gave an update on the government’s response to the tragedy.

“Preliminary investigations indicate the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency, RIDA, Mbuya Nehanda ferry, which capsized along Lake Kariba on 11 August 2026, was carrying about 180 passengers, thus exceeding its carrying capacity,” Garwe said.

“The vessel reportedly capsized after being struck by strong waves.”

The minister said the voyage had proceeded despite warnings from the Meteorological Services Department advising lake users against sailing.

Police have since put the death toll at 94, as search and recovery operations continue.

Government also rejected claims that the search for victims needed to be extended into Zambia because the vessel had crossed the international boundary.

Garwe said the ferry did not enter Zambian waters before or after the accident, dismissing reports circulating on social media and elsewhere about its location.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has declared the tragedy a state of disaster in terms of Section 27(1) of the Civil Protection Act and directed government agencies to provide assistance to affected families.

“The President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Comrade Dr E.D. Mnangagwa, declared the incident a state of disaster in terms of Section 27.1 of the Civil Protection Act and directed all relevant authorities to provide affected families with funeral services, medical assistance and psychosocial support,” Garwe said.

Government is providing state-assisted burials through Doves and Nyaradzo funeral services. In addition, Old Mutual is providing free funeral services for families in  need.

Investigations are also underway to establish whether the vessel was structurally sound and whether operational and regulatory requirements were followed.

Search and recovery operations involve the Department of Civil Protection, the Zimbabwe Republic Police Sub-Aqua Unit and the Zimbabwe National Army Boat Squadron, with a private helicopter from the Matusadona Conservation Trust also deployed.

Authorities have urged members of the public and other Lake Kariba users to remain vigilant and report any floating debris that could assist recovery teams.

The disaster has raised fresh questions over passenger safety, vessel capacity and enforcement of warnings on Zimbabwe’s major inland water bodies

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Source: Five armed robbers arrested in Harare – herald

Freeman Razemba

Senior Reporter

Five suspected armed robbers who were targeting bars, shops and tuckshops, where they would attack complainants before stealing cash and other valuables have been arrested.

The suspects were using a blue Toyota Passo as their getaway vehicle while armed with a Retay pistol.

In a statement national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrests.

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms the arrest of Peter Gawa (31), Billian Magacha (31), Taurai Badza (37), Soneni Maruva (31) and Calvin Tinashe Langa (36) in connection with a series of armed robbery cases which occurred in Harare between July 17, 2026 and August 5, 2026,” he said.

“The suspects would use a blue Toyota Passo as their getaway vehicle while armed with a Retay pistol.

“They targeted bars, shops and tuckshops, where they would attack complainants before stealing cash and other valuables.”

He said in one of the cases, the suspects allegedly pounced on a company along Simon Mazorodze Road in Waterfalls, Harare, while armed with two firearms.

During the robbery, they attacked two security guards who were on duty, tied their hands and legs with pieces of cloth and stole a generator, three batteries and other valuables with a total value of approximately US$2 500.

Investigations conducted by the police have so far linked the suspects to seven counts of armed robbery.

Police have recovered the Retay pistol allegedly used in the commission of the offences, some of the clothing worn by the suspects as captured on some CCTV footage and two cellphones stolen from one of the complainants.

Comm Nyathi said, “The Zimbabwe Republic Police commends members of the public for their cooperation and urges anyone with information that may assist ongoing investigations to report at any nearest Police Station.”

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Source: Tawengwa hands over tablets to Harare Junior Parliamentarians – herald

Diana Nherera

The Minister of State for Harare Metropolitan Provincial Affairs and Devolution Senator Charles Tawengwa, has handed over electronic tablets to junior parliamentarians, donated by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, to enhance digital learning, research, innovation and leadership among young people.

The handover, held today, is part of efforts to equip young leaders with digital tools that will enable them to participate effectively in the digital economy and contribute to national development.

The tablets are expected to strengthen the junior parliamentarians’ access to educational resources and research materials while enhancing their capacity to engage with contemporary issues affecting young people.

The initiative also supports the country’s development priorities under the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) and President Mnangagwa’s vision of attaining an empowered and prosperous upper-middle-income society by 2030.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, Senator Tawengwa said the donation represented an important investment in young people and their future.

“Honorable Junior Parliamentarians, these tablets come with responsibility, use them to Research, learn, and understand national issues, communicate with those you represent strengthen your contributions to the Junior Parliament”

Minister Tawengwa thanked the President for investing in youth, describing the gesture as an initiative that complements the Zimbabwe Digital Skills Development Program and a practical implementation of the principle of leaving no one and no place behind.

He also challenged the junior legislators to be ambassadors against drug and substance abuse using their leadership positions and digital platforms to encourage positive choices among peers across the province.

“As leaders, we must firmly confront drug and substance abuse, which threatens the potential and future of our young people. Drugs destroy health, education, families, and dreams.”

Minister of youth empowerment, development and vocational training Mr Victor Mazvuma applauded the President’s generosity saying it demonstrates the ministry’s commitment to empower young leaders with tools they need to thrive in the digital world.

“These platforms provide young people with an opportunity to voice their ideas and influence national development.”

Today’s hand-over of tablets is a strategic step toward nurturing a generation that is digitally literate, socially conscious, and ready to lead.”

Junior Provincial Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Manoah Bradely S.R. said the distribution of tablets will help junior parliamentarians balance their legislative duties with educational advancement and support the rollout of the Education 5.0 curriculum.

“As junior parliamentarians, we are quite happy because this is going to help us ensure that, regardless of our duties and our work to better Zimbabwe for the future, we will also benefit educationally by using these tablets for digital enhancements, research, and by travelling hand in hand with the Education 5.0 curriculum we are currently instituting in Zimbabwe, ensuring we succeed not just in our academics but as a nation at large so we all have the proper Zimbabwe we want for the future,” he said.

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Source: SA woman denied bail over R34 million drug smuggling at Beitbridge – herald

Thupeyo Muleya

Beitbridge Bureau

A South African woman accused of working with Zambian and Malawian nationals to smuggle R34 million worth of drug manufacturing ingredients into that country through Beitbridge was on Tuesday denied bail by the Musina Magistrate’s Court in Limpopo Province.

Nonkululeko Goodhope Khoza (41)’s bail application was dismissed following the crime allegedly committed in May.

Khoza and her co-accused Ogbaugu Abumchukwu Victor were arrested later following further investigations.

Limpopo spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority, Ms Mashudu Malabi, confirmed the development.

She said the matter was postponed to August 27 for further investigation and for the bail applications of the remaining accused.

“The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in Limpopo welcomes the ruling handed down by the Musina Magistrates’ Court today, which denied bail to Nonkululeko Goodhope Khoza (41), Accused 4 in a matter involving the alleged trafficking of drug ingredients valued at approximately R34 million,” said Ms Malabi in a statement.

She said Khoza and Victor face charges of dealing in drugs, dealing in illicit goods, money laundering, and acquisition of proceeds of defined crime.

The official added that Victor, who is listed as Accused 5, also faces an additional charge of being in South Africa on forged documents.

“They were arrested after three other co-accused were earlier taken into custody. The three are Mabuchi Dayo Kumwenda (35) and Thandie Phiri (26), both Malawians, and Philip Chanza (46), a Zambian national,” said Ms Malabi.

“On 27 May this year, the accused were allegedly transporting drug ingredients worth about R34 million from Malawi to Johannesburg when Border Management Authority (BMA) officials conducted a stop-and-search operation at the Beitbridge Port of Entry. The consignment was reportedly concealed in a truck belonging to Khoza.

“Khoza brought a bail application by way of affidavit, seeking release pending finalisation of the case. The State opposed the application. In refusing bail, the court found that Khoza presented a flight risk and was likely to commit further offences. The court also noted allegations that she attempted to bribe a police official, and ruled that she had failed to prove that the interests of justice permitted her release.”

“The successful opposition to bail underscores the NPA’s commitment to ensuring that individuals accused of serious offences are brought before the courts and that the integrity of the criminal justice system is upheld.”

The authority also commended the BMA and the investigating team for intercepting the consignment, adding that it remains committed to working with law enforcement to combat drug trafficking and other forms of organised crime that threaten communities.

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