Government blames captain for Kariba disaster

The Zimbabwe government blamed ferry captain Sign Patsikadova for the Lake Kariba disaster, stating he disregarded meteorological advice not to sail. The death toll rose to 94 after eight more bodies were recovered on Monday, with search operations expanding into Zambian waters and involving local authorities. Families and rights groups accuse authorities of neglect and demand a transparent investigation. The government defends the 41-year-old Mbuya Nehanda ferry and insists the captain alone is responsible for the tragedy. The disaster exposes systemic safety gaps in Zimbabwe’s maritime oversight and has raised questions about ignored warnings and regulatory checks. The government has launched a formal investigation into the incident.