By Admore Mbonda in Kariba
The bodies of two fishermen have been recovered after a tragic accident in Lake Kariba, where their dinghy capsized while crossing from Ndomo fishing camp to Kariba.
The victims, identified as 37-year-old Rongedzai Mola and 30-year-old Obvious Muzamba, drowned on Friday.
Out of the five fishermen on board, three managed to swim to safety, while two tragically did not survive. The survivors, Nyasha Poal, Zonda, and Kelly Mutami, were rescued by anglers participating in the ongoing Kariba International Tiger Fish Tournament 2024.
Local authorities, including members of the police sub-aqua unit and the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife staff, collaborated with the community to recover the bodies near Antelope Island. The remains were subsequently transported to Kariba Hospital for postmortem examinations.
Addressing the community’s grief, Kariba Uburn Residents Association (KURA) spokesperson Sumson Coffee expressed deep sorrow over the loss.
“We, the Kariba community, are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of our loved ones in the recent boat capsize accident. Our hearts go out to the families affected,” he said. Coffee urged residents to prioritize safety when engaging in water activities.
This incident highlights the ongoing issue of boating safety on Lake Kariba, which has seen several accidents over the years. KURA spokesperson Someson Coffee emphasized the need for increased awareness campaigns to educate fishermen about the dangers of intoxication while on the water.
“It is crucial that we educate our community not to venture into the lake while under the influence of alcohol,” Coffee stated.
The tragic event serves as a reminder of the importance of safety measures and community vigilance to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
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