MASVINGO – A helicopter carrying President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s security detail crash landed on Sunday afternoon at an airstrip in Masvingo, just before it was due to pick up the President.
The incident occurred as the helicopter was preparing to take off from the airstrip, en route to Bikita to collect Mnangagwa, who was attending a Zanu PF youth league event in the area. The President was celebrating his 82nd birthday and launching a housing scheme in Masvingo.
Despite the dramatic crash landing, there were no reported casualties. Government spokesman Ndavaningi Mangwana confirmed the incident, stating, “There was an aviation incident involving one of the Air Force of Zimbabwe helicopters that travelled to Masvingo today. Thankfully there were no casualties. Civil aviation authorities are investigating and their findings will be shared with the nation when they become available.”
Sources close to the incident described the event as “catastrophic”. “The Air Force chopper was flying to Bikita to pick him (Mnangagwa) up. It was clear skies but something catastrophic happened on takeoff,” one source said.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety of presidential travel, particularly given the recent history of aviation incidents in Zimbabwe. The crash landing comes just weeks after a plane carrying four Finnish tourists and a Zimbabwean pilot crashed in Masvingo, killing all five on board.
The crash landing also comes at a time of heightened political tension in Zimbabwe, with the country heading towards a general election in 2023. Mnangagwa, who is seeking re-election, has been facing criticism from the opposition for his handling of the economy and his alleged human rights abuses.
The incident has also sparked speculation about the President’s safety. Mnangagwa has been the target of several assassination attempts in the past, and his security detail is always on high alert.
The President’s security detail has been deployed to protect him throughout his travels, including during his recent visit to Masvingo. The helicopter crash landing has raised questions about the effectiveness of these security measures.
The Air Force of Zimbabwe has a long history of providing air transport for the President and other government officials. The helicopter involved in the crash landing is a VIP AS-332 “Cougar”, a type of helicopter commonly used for transporting dignitaries.
The incident is currently under investigation by the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe. The findings of the investigation will be made public once they are available.
The crash landing has been met with mixed reactions from Zimbabweans. Some have expressed concern for the President’s safety, while others have used the incident to criticize the government’s handling of the economy and its alleged human rights abuses.
