THE death toll from the Lake Kariba Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA) boat disaster has risen to 92 after eight more bodies were recovered from the lake, police have confirmed.
The latest recoveries come as questions remain over the actual number of people who were aboard the vessel when it capsized on August 11 while travelling from Kariba to Chalala.
In a statement issued on Monday, Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) national spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the latest recoveries had pushed the confirmed death toll to 92.
Police had initially been told by the lake captain that the ferry was carrying 120 people — 108 adults and 12 children.
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However, Nyathi said investigations had since indicated that the actual number of people aboard could have been higher.
The discrepancy has complicated efforts to establish the full scale of the disaster as search and recovery operations continue.
Nyathi said police had maintained a search operation since the accident, deploying boats and specialised personnel to recover victims.
“Since 11th August 2026, the Commissioner-General of Police has deployed two big boats, two small boats, over 40 police Sub-Aqua members and other resources to co-ordinate the rescue of victims, search and the recovery of bodies from Lake Kariba,” Nyathi said.
He said police were also supporting the lake captain and coordinating with government departments and other stakeholders involved in the operation.
“The Police has also assisted the lake captain’s mobility and coordinated with other Government agencies and stakeholders to ensure the identification of bodies is swiftly and professionally handled,” he said.
Police said relatives seeking information about victims should contact the Command Centre in Kariba or their nearest police station.
“The Police urges relatives to approach the Command Centre in Kariba and the local Police Station for any relevant and necessary information on the RIDA Lake Kariba accident,” Nyathi said.
Search and recovery operations remain underway as authorities work to establish the final number of victims and account for those still reported missing.
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