Three children aged between five and 11 years old have died on Lake Kariba in Siavonga after a banana boat they were traveling in with other passengers capsized over the weekend.
Eight passengers managed to survive the accident that occurred around Munene island on the waters of Lake Kariba.
The bodies of the three girls who drowned in the lake on Saturday morning following a heavy storm that caused uncompromising waves are still missing and have not been retrieved from the deep waters of Lake Kariba.
Siavonga Marine police officer Inyambo Inyambo confirmed the deaths of the three children who include two sisters in an interview with ZANIS in Siavonga today.
Mr. Inyambo identified the three girls as sisters Linet and Liness Mweemba aged 7 and 5 years of Dambwe Village and Lucy Lusiya aged 11 years of Mangole village.
He disclosed that the three girls met their fate after a storm forced the banana boat they were traveling in to capsize leaving all the 12 passengers that were on board to fight for their lives.
The marine officer charged that the named officer of the capsized boat declined to heed the advice given to him not to go on the water because of the bad weather.
Mr. Inyambo however assured that the police and some community members have combined forces and are working hard to recover the three missing bodies.
ZANIS/LL/MKM/ENDS
Sad story. My condolences.
Very sad MTSRIP
Was this banana boat a government boat? Was the marine officer who did not heed warning a government officer? LT are loses going to be compensated for?
Condolences to the bereaved FAMILY/families.
How then do they confirm death if the bodies have not been found ????What if they swam to the shore or indeed rescued by God’s grace are are some were safe???
Poor little children. I know their souls now rest peacefully in God. Am very sorry for the bereaved family.
Oh my God, this is very sad indeed, condolences to the bereaved families
Chayipa bana ba bene, iye! May their souls rest in peace.
My heart-felt condolences. Very sad story. Reminds me of the other accident alond Lusaka Mumbwa road where 4 people of the same family died on the spot. MTSRIP.
Why allow these kids to get in the water without life jackets. This is a joke. The owner of the Boat must be jailed for their deaths. What a waste of life.
An accident on the water can be very traumatising. You see yourself actually dying by drowning. Reminds me of how I survived when the boat I was in capsized two years ago and one life was lost. I actually saw myself dying as I was drowning deep in the waters until I was served by a good samaritan . the memories sends shivers in my body.. may the souls of the little ones rest in peace
MTSRIP sorry.what a lose 2 sisters from the same family ya! can the law visit that officer pliz!
bad news…..RIP
If these kids had life Jackets, they will probably be alive today. this is negligence by who ever owns the boat. Thats the number one rule, Jackets must be worn if some one is going in the water. I hope there will be a review of the safety measures and that lessons have been learnt.
This life Jacket thing is not possible in Zambia am not shooting u down # 14. its not possible to hav life jackets tru out zambia if u hav lived in zambia b4. how many life jackets will be provided all over the country wer we hav lakes and rivers and who do u think shud provide that? The man who refused to listen to advise shud be held responsible for these innocent lives we hav lost. About the jackets is a good idea and a non starter for us in Zambia
Wat Moderation LT?
mmmmmmmmmm sad development…
RIP
my condolences.
#16 The Mwine, these kids were on a boat before it capsized, i didnt sa y that give life jackets to all citizens no. Just to the pipo on board boats. life jackets are not even that expansive for all those pipo who own boats.
Its better to be safe thatn sorry , The same thing can be said about the use of sit belts in cars. i was in zambia some few months ago and only a hardfull of pipo use them.
MTSRIP
Zambia, ubufontini, banana boats are not meant for transportation, but pure fun, for a few minutes with a maxium of 4-6 people on board!
those adults could have saved the kids but they were only interested in there survival. shame on you hope you have a miserable life.