THE Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has released the names of 44 people who died in last Tuesday’s ferry disaster on Lake Kariba, as the identification of other recovered bodies continues.
The accident occurred on August 11 when the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA) passenger ferry, travelling from Kariba town to Chalala Fishing Camp, capsized on the iconic water body.
Police on Thursday put the death toll at 46, with 77 people rescued from the water.
In a statement issued Friday, police spokesperson Paul Nyathi said out of the 46 victims, 44 had been identified by their next of kin and two of them were yet to be processed.
Among those named is Sign Patsikadova (59), the boat captain, from Batonga in Kariba.
The victims include sixteen children, with the youngest identified being Wendy Ndandarika (1), Mukudzei Kangwara (1) Olain Siyachuka (2) and seven months, Mcdonald Nyasha Gumbo (1) and two months, Hailly Tauro (1) and two months and Lael Samanyanga (1) and six months.
Other juveniles named by police include Shelton Magora (10), Shalom Ndere (9), Cain Nzerombairi, Average Murambatsvina, Kelly Busumani (4), Alubo Nzira (6), Wishmore Charindapanze (4), Anisha Chipuma (6), Patience Ndebele (3), Connic Mutale (2), Nashrey Pensula (5) and Anashe Pensula (3).
The police also identified victims from different parts of the country, including Kariba, Karoi, Mola, Masvingo, Gweru, Harare, Chitungwiza and Hurungwe.
Among the adults identified are Smart Siamandonga (54), Hazvinei Chasara (39), Isabel Sango (50), Ratidzai Tasara (50), Debra Chadenga (49), Plaxedix Madiro (42), Chipo Muzinda Chitsamba (37), Spiwe Aggiffa Katore (61), Keresiya Dhumbura (40), Gomo Tapiwa (39), Petronella Lembani (26), Precious Nyajina (57), Constance Siampongo (37), Daisy Siachiwa (23), Luoisa Kayi (24), Handespike Charindapanze (54), Susan Muntanga (41), Moleen Mandirera (34) and Marven Dope (46).
Police said the identification process was not yet complete.
“The identification of the remaining recovered bodies is still in progress. The Police continues to work closely with relevant stakeholders and the affected families in the identification and recovery process, ” Nyathi said.
The force said further information would be released as new developments emerge.
The tragedy has been declared a national disaster by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who directed authorities to provide assistance to affected families, including medical, psychological and funeral support.
A memorial service was held in Kariba on Thursday as relatives, friends and residents gathered to mourn those who died in the disaster.
