The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has warned that false accounts and unsupported claims about the Lake Kariba boat accident that claimed 97 lives could hamper efforts to establish what happened. ZRP spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi told ZiFM Stereo that there was a growing stream of claims not backed by evidence. These include claims that the […]
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has warned that false accounts and unsupported claims about the Lake Kariba boat accident that claimed 97 lives could hamper efforts to establish what happened.
ZRP spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi told ZiFM Stereo that there was a growing stream of claims not backed by evidence.
These include claims that the late Captain Sign Patsikadova, who was steering the RIDA Mbuya Nehanda ferry when it capsized near Long Island on Lake Kariba on 11 August, was carrying US$10,000, and that a group of Somali nationals survived the disaster and disappeared.
“There are certain individuals who are circulating falsehoods and making serious allegations without producing a shred of evidence,” Nyathi said. “Let me be clear. Such claims must stop.”
Nyathi said there was no evidence to support claims that the captain was carrying thousands in United States dollars.
“There are claims that the captain of the vessel was carrying a stash of US$10,000,” he said. “As the police, we have no information or evidence whatsoever to substantiate that claim.”
He challenged those making the allegation to present evidence to investigators rather than circulate it as fact.
“If you have evidence, bring it to the police. Do not circulate unverified claims,” Nyathi said.
Police have also dismissed claims that between 10 and 15 Somali nationals were aboard the vessel, survived the disaster and later disappeared.
“Again, we have no evidence to substantiate these allegations,” Nyathi said.
Nyathi said those circulating unsupported information will be summoned to explain the basis for their allegations.
A manifest handed to the late captain listed 120 passengers — 108 adults and 12 children. Police say investigations suggest more than 150 people may have been aboard.
Investigators are also examining how the vessel was loaded, after police said it exceeded its maximum permissible load by more than 30 tonnes, with excess luggage contributing to the extra weight.
The inquiry has extended to the ferry’s revenue records, with police looking into an apparent discrepancy between the number of passengers declared by the crew and the number investigators believe may have been aboard.
Police are seeking to establish where revenue from any additional passengers went.
Nyathi said the absence of the captain’s testimony would not prevent police from pursuing the available evidence.
At the same time, police have urged witnesses and anyone with relevant information to come forward, but to provide accounts based on what they actually saw or know.
“If you witnessed something, report what you witnessed. Do not manufacture information. Do not repeat rumours as facts,” Nyathi said.
“People must exercise restraint and allow investigators to do their work. Information must come through official channels and must be based on facts, not hearsay, speculation, or fabricated stories.”
Nyathi further assured the public that the findings would be made public.
“We give the public our assurance, consistent with what President Emmerson Mnangagwa has said, that this investigation will be thorough and that its findings will be made public,” Nyathi said.
“There will be no cover-up. There will be no sweeping of this matter under the carpet.”
