Zimbabwean police have arrested a local government official over alleged culpable homicide following a boat disaster on Lake Kariba that killed at least 97 people.

Ignatius Chiome, the Kariba district coordinator for the Rural Infrastructure and Development Agency, appeared in court after his arrest, police said in a statement.

The incident occurred on August 11 when a passenger ferry travelling from Kariba town to Chalala Fishing Camp capsized on Lake Kariba, which borders Zimbabwe and Zambia.

Authorities said 77 people were rescued following the accident, which reportedly occurred during bad weather.

Preliminary investigations found that the vessel was carrying about 180 passengers and cargo, exceeding its capacity.

A formal investigation is underway to establish the circumstances surrounding the disaster, which authorities have described as the country's deadliest boat accident.

Police have not provided further details on the specific allegations against Chiome or his alleged role in the incident.