IGNITIOUS Chiome, the acting head of the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA) in Kariba, has been granted US$500 bail in connection with the sinking of the Mbuya Nehanda ferry on August 11.
The 41-year-old vessel sank near Long Island, killing 97 people and leaving 77 survivors. Chiome, 41, appeared before the courts facing a culpable homicide charge arising from the disaster.
The court imposed several conditions for his release. He must stay at his registered home, report to the Criminal Investigations Department every Friday between 6am and 6pm, avoid contact with potential witnesses and surrender his travel documents. Prosecutors told the court that his passport expired in 2023.
The matter will return to the Karoi Regional Court on September 4.
According to the prosecution, the accident may have been caused by administrative failures, serious overloading and violations of marine-safety procedures. Preliminary investigations suggest that the ferry departed from Andora Harbour bound for the Chalala fishing camps carrying about 180 passengers, along with substantial cargo—twice its authorised capacity of 90 passengers.
Investigators are also examining allegations that the vessel was allowed to leave despite weather warnings issued by the Meteorological Services Department. The alerts reportedly cautioned of strong southwesterly winds commonly referred to in the area as the “Binga Wave.”
Authorities allege that roughly 30 minutes after departure, water began entering the deck. The flooding reportedly disabled the bilge pump and caused the engines to stop before the ferry capsized.
Chiome has been accused but not convicted. The allegations will be tested through the court process.
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