Speaking during the post-Cabinet media briefing on Tuesday, Garwe said Patsikadova disregarded advice not to sail, which he had been given by the Meteorological Services Department (MSD).
The 90-seater boat, owned by Government through the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA), capsized while carrying over 180 people and luggage that included goats, drums of fuel and other material destined for fishing communities in Binga.
“We are advised that the Meteorological Department advised sailors to stop all sailing on the fateful day because some strong waves were developing on the Binga side,” said Garwe.
“The boat captain for this specific boat disregarded those early warning messages and proceeded with the journey.
“We are advised the carrying capacity of that boat was about 90, but based on what we have- 93 dead and 77 rescued and seven families saying their relatives are yet to be identified- it was carrying over 100 people, which is against laid-down rules and regulations by the Transport Ministry.”
Garwe spoke before police announced the recovery of another body, to take the confirmed death toll to 94.
The boat had a fitness certificate; it was certified by the Transport Ministry. The problems that occurred were as a result of negligence and human error by the captain of the boat,” added Garwe.
According to some of the survivors of the Mbuya Nehanda ferry disaster, the danger was visible before departure, and they repeatedly pleaded with Patsikadova to turn back.
Survivor Itai Marumisa said a battery and inverter fell into the water while boarding and passengers asked for the trip to be postponed.
The captain allegedly replied he had worked on the lake for many years and expected the wind to subside, then prayed for the journey and proceeded.
Another survivor, Friday Munenga from Dobe Village in Mola, said the warnings continued after leaving the harbour.
“We left the harbour and before long we highlighted to the captain that the conditions were not suitable for us to continue with the journey. We suggested that we dock at a nearby island, but he insisted on continuing with the journey, saying that he had traversed the lake for many years,” said Munenga.
Survivors told ZBC that when concerns were raised mid-journey, Patsikadova boasted the boat would not sink.
He allegedly told passengers, “DDF does not drown.”
DDF refers to the District Development Fund, the predecessor of the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA), which owns the ferry.