Zimbabwean authorities have arrested a district official over the sinking of a government-operated ferry on Lake Kariba that claimed the lives of 97 people.

The official, a 49-year-old district coordinator with the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency, was arrested and charged with culpable homicide in connection with the disaster.

The ferry, which was described as old and overcrowded, capsized on August 11 while travelling on Lake Kariba, which lies along the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia.

Authorities said the vessel was carrying more passengers than its approved capacity of 90 when it encountered rough weather and strong waves.

A total of 97 bodies have so far been recovered, including at least 30 children below the age of 10.

Seventy-seven people were rescued following the accident, while search and recovery operations continued as authorities worked to account for everyone who had been aboard.

The arrested official has already appeared before a court as investigations into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy continue.

Preliminary findings have raised concerns about the vessel’s condition, the number of passengers on board and the decision to operate the ferry despite difficult weather conditions.

The disaster has prompted renewed scrutiny of safety standards and oversight of passenger transportation on Lake Kariba.

Authorities are expected to investigate whether negligence or failures in safety procedures contributed to the accident.

The incident has been described as one of Zimbabwe’s worst transportation disasters and has intensified calls for stronger safety measures on the country’s waterways. 