Lawyers call for probe into Kariba ferry disaster

The Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights has called for an independent and transparent investigation into the Kariba ferry disaster that has claimed dozens of lives, saying the tragedy raises serious questions about public transport safety and regulatory oversight. On Friday, ZLHR called for accountability over the disaster, reports News Day. ZLHR said the loss of lives raised serious questions about safety standards, regulatory compliance, emergency preparedness and the adequacy of oversight mechanisms governing public transport on Lake Kariba. ZLHR said the government’s declaration of the disaster as a national disaster acknowledged shortcomings in the country’s maritime safety capabilities. It called for an impartial, independent and evidence-based investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the sinking and determine whether the vessel was adequately inspected and operated. The investigation should also establish whether the operator, regulators, public officials or other responsible institutions failed in their duties and, where applicable, identify any criminal, civil or regulatory liabilities, ZLHR said. The organisation urged authorities to make the findings of the probe public and ensure that any identified liabilities were addressed in accordance with the law.