IGNITIOUS Chiome, the acting head of the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA) in Kariba, was at the weekend released on US$500 bail over the Lake Kariba boat disaster.
Chiome appeared in court on a charge of culpable homicide linked to the August 11 sinking of the Mbuya Nehanda ferry, which left 97 people dead and 77 survivors. The 41-year-old vessel went down near Long Island.
The court released him on bail with strict conditions: he must remain at his registered address, report to CID every Friday between 6 am and 6 pm, and must not contact witnesses. He was also told to hand in his travel documents. The court heard his passport expired in 2023.
The case resumes on September 4 at the Karoi Regional Court.
Prosecutors allege that poor administration, severe overloading and breaches of safety protocol led to the disaster.
Preliminary findings indicate the Mbuya Nehanda left Andora Harbour for Chalala fishing camps with an estimated 180 passengers and heavy cargo, double its licensed capacity of 90 passengers.
Investigators are also probing claims that the ferry was cleared to depart despite weather alerts from the Meteorological Services Department warning of strong southwesterly winds, locally called the “Binga Wave.”
About 30 minutes into the trip, water allegedly flooded the deck, knocked out the bilge pump and stalled the engines, before the boat overturned.
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