The Zimbabwean government has confirmed that an Air Force of Zimbabwe helicopter crashed moments after take off at President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s birthday bash in Masvingo.
The chopper, which was reportedly carrying government officials, had just left the Great Zimbabwe monuments, where ZANU-PF was celebrating the President’s 82nd birthday, inaugurally dubbed “Munhumutapa Day” by the ruling party’s Youth League which organised the event.
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Government Confirms Helicopter Crashed After President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Birthday Celebration
Spokesperson in the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Permanent Secretary, Nick Mangwana confirmed:
“There was an aviation incident involving one of the Airforce of Zimbabwe Helicopters that traveled 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.”
What We Know So far About The Accident
The Airforce of Zimbabwe helicopter had just taken off in Masvingo just after President Mnangagwa’s birthday celebrations. Although Mangwana was mum on the passengers in the chopper, some reports suggested it was carrying VIPs.
VOA Studio 7 reported that the chopper was part of the President’s fleet. However, both President Mnangagwa and his deputy, Vice President Constantino Chiwenga were not in the ill-fated aircraft.
Newshawks reported that the helicopter only has crew members. A source informed the publication:
“The helicopter was supposed to take off at Masvingo Airport late today afternoon and go to Bikita to fetch the President back to Harare. There were actually two helicopters. Upon take-off, the presidential helicopter suddenly developed a technical failure and crashed to the ground, with big impact. There were three crew members and one was injured. There were no fatalities.”
Second President Mnangagwa’s Helicopter Incident
In August 2021, President Mnangagwa’s helicopter made an unexpected emergency landing approximately 37 miles southwest of Harare due to mechanical issues.
The aircraft, traveling from Mnangagwa’s Pricabe farm in Kwekwe, was forced to land at a farm belonging to a Ministry of Finance official. This incident prompted a comprehensive overhaul and upgrade of the president’s security measures.
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The post Government Confirms Helicopter Crashed After President Mnangagwa’s Birthday Celebration In Masvingo: More Details Emerge appeared first on iHarare News.
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