By Correspondent
Fresh allegations surrounding the Kariba boat disaster have raised questions over whether the ill-fated vessel may have been used to transport undocumented foreign nationals across Lake Kariba as part of a suspected migrant-smuggling operation.
Reports from journalists gathered on the shores of Kariba Dam allege that about 10 Somali nationals were among the passengers aboard the disastrous Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA) vessel after reportedly paying approximately US$500 each to cross the lake as they travelled south towards South Africa.
Quoting sources, the reports claim Lake Kariba was being used as an alternative route to bypass police roadblocks and security checkpoints along major highways. After crossing the lake, the alleged migrants were reportedly transported through remote routes towards Gokwe before continuing south.
A vehicle and drums containing fuel were also reportedly aboard the vessel. The fuel was allegedly intended to refuel the vehicle after landing at Chalala, allowing the journey to continue by road.
Questions have also emerged over the registration and accounting of survivors immediately after the disaster.
Harbour officials allegedly indicated that passenger registration would instead be conducted at a local trauma centre, creating a gap in the immediate identification and accounting process
According to the reports, claims have emerged that some of those unaccounted for were foreign nationals who may have left the trauma centre before being formally identified. Their identities and whereabouts have not been officially established.
According to the reports, investigators are now examining claims that approximately 17 foreign nationals disappeared from the trauma centre amid the confusion following the disaster.
“When subsequent headcounts were conducted, reports indicated that 48 survivors remained at the trauma centre, while 12 others had been transferred to hospital for treatment after sustaining serious injuries,” read a report by a journalist stationed at Kariba Dam.
“The whereabouts of the remaining 17 people have not been conclusively established, raising fears that some may have been moved from the scene before authorities could formally identify and interview them.”
The report added: “The revelations have added a disturbing dimension to an already devastating tragedy. While authorities remain focused on recovering bodies and supporting families affected by the disaster, the alleged disappearance of survivors, the reported presence of foreign nationals and the discovery of large amounts of cash on the captain have created additional questions that cannot be ignored.”
Further questions have been raised by claims that approximately US$10,000 in cash was recovered from the body of the boat’s captain during search-and-recovery operations. The reports say the source and intended purpose of the money remain unclear.
More serious allegations suggest that the suspected operation may have involved individuals with knowledge of law-enforcement and security procedures.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police and immigration authorities have not publicly confirmed the alleged presence of undocumented Somali nationals aboard the vessel or any connection between the boat and an organised migrant-smuggling network.
If substantiated, the claims could significantly widen the scope of investigations into the Kariba boat disaster beyond the circumstances that caused the tragedy to include possible organised migrant smuggling.
