Bodies of missing police and prison officer recovered in Lake Kariba

Police in Kariba have retrieved bodies of two members of the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) and the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) who drowned on Tuesday night after the boat they were travelling in capsized in Lake Kariba.

The bodies of Kudzanai Dewa (32), a member of the ZRP and Charles Kahara (36) of the ZPCS were discovered between Kariba Lake Harvest bream cages and Nyaodza Fishing Camp.

Strong winds caused the boat, which had four people on board, to capsize and everyone temporarily managed to hang onto the boat, but Dewa later complained of being tired before letting go.

Kahara tried to help her, but she reportedly pulled him down.

The other two occupants of the boat were rescued about four hours later by another crew on its way to the fishing camps.

Police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the incident.

“The body of Kudzanai Dewa was retrieved on Wednesday and that of Charles Kahara was found on Thursday,” he said.

“We are treating this case as an accident and investigations are still in progress.

“We are advising those who travel with boats to travel during the day and ensure safety at all times.”

The two were headed for Nyaodza Fishing Cooperative in Kariba to buy fish.

According to the police, the boat left Lake Harvest Harbour and they encountered strong winds at around 7pm, which resulted in some water getting into the boat which later capsized.

“The boat began to sink as a result of the trapped water,” said the police.

“Faula Robson Mumba, who was in charge of the boat, advised the occupants to cling onto the boat to avoid drowning.

“However, Dewa was overwhelmed by the wave and she let go of the boat and began drowning.

“Upon realising that Dewa was drowning, Kahara tried to assist. The two then disappeared into the water.

“The other two remained holding onto the boat and were rescued by a passing boat at around 2300 hours.”

The two survivors were taken to the shore where they travelled on foot to nearby Ndomo Fishing camp. A report was made to the police who conducted a search for the bodies. The Herald