Gweru City Honours Kariba Tragedy Victims, Observes Moment of Silence

Gweru — Gweru City Council has honoured the victims of the Kariba Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA) Mbuya Nehanda boat tragedy, observing a minute of silence during its 729th Ordinary Council Meeting as the national death toll from the disaster has risen to 95.

Opening the council meeting, Gweru Mayor Councillor Martin Chivhoko said the city stood in solidarity with the bereaved families and communities affected by the tragedy, describing the loss of life as a painful moment for the nation.

“Welcome to this ordinary council meeting. As we gather today, we do so with heavy hearts, mindful of the tragedy that has befallen our nation.

"Yet we also gather with renewed determination to have a Gweru that is resilient, united and progressive,” he said.

Councillor Chivhoko said the tragedy had reminded the country of the importance of standing together during times of grief, while urging residents to continue supporting one another.

“I wish to extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and loved ones who lost family members in the tragedy when the Kariba boat capsized,” he said.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this devastating loss.

"As a city, we join the nation in mourning the victims of the Lake Kariba boat disaster," Councilor Chivhoko said.

He called on the bereaved families to draw strength and courage from the support of the wider community.

“May the bereaved families find strength, comfort and courage during this difficult time.

"Let us continue to stand together as a community, supporting one another in both moments of celebration and times of sorrow,” Councillor Chivhoko said.

He then invited councillors and officials to stand for a moment of silence in honour of those who died.

The gesture came as the Zimbabwe Republic Police released a further update on the Kariba tragedy, confirming that the death toll had risen to 95.

In a statement dated August 19, 2026, Zimbabwe Republic Police national Spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi, said police had released the names of 10 additional victims, taking the number of victims identified by their next of kin to 93.

“Two victims are yet to be identified and the Zimbabwe Republic Police continues to work closely with the affected families and relevant stakeholders in the ongoing identification and recovery efforts,” Commissioner Nyathi said.

The tragedy involving the RIDA boat on Lake Kariba on the 11th of August 2026, has triggered widespread grief across the country, with families continuing to await the identification and repatriation of loved ones.

The police have continued to coordinate identification and recovery efforts with affected families and other relevant stakeholders.

Councillor Chivhoko also used his opening remarks to reaffirm the city's broader development agenda, saying Gweru remained focused on creating an environment conducive to investment, business development and economic growth.

“Our vision for Gweru is more than a statement. It is a commitment to every resident, investor and visitor who believes in the potential of our city,” he said.

“As council, we remain focused on creating a conducive environment for investment, business development and economic growth," Councilor Chivhoko said.