By Tichaona Katsvamutima
Six bodies recovered following the Lake Kariba ferry disaster remain unidentified, with authorities considering DNA testing if families are unable to identify the victims through clothing and other personal belongings.
Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Marian Chombo has appealed to members of the public to assist authorities in identifying the unclaimed bodies.
Chombo said the condition of some of the bodies had made visual identification increasingly difficult, leaving authorities to rely on clothing and other distinguishing features.
She said DNA testing could ultimately be required if the victims cannot be identified through the available means.
The appeal comes as search and recovery operations continue following the capsizing of the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency-operated Mbuya Nehanda ferry on Lake Kariba last Tuesday.
The confirmed death toll has risen to 84 following the recovery of four additional bodies near Long Island late on Sunday, national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said.
Authorities are also struggling to establish the exact number of people who were aboard the vessel when it capsized.
Current figures indicate that 84 people have died and 77 have been rescued, accounting for at least 161 people, despite earlier reports that 153 people were aboard the ferry.
The discrepancy has raised questions about the actual number of passengers and crew on the vessel at the time of the disaster.
Meanwhile, the government has intensified investigations into the accident, with preliminary findings examining possible overloading, navigational errors and the failure to heed adverse weather conditions.
A technical report is expected to be presented to Cabinet as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the disaster.
