ZDF Commander Mourns Hero Pilot After Tragic Fighter Jet Crash In Gweru
Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) Commander General Phillip Valerio Sibanda has expressed deep sorrow over the death of decorated pilot Retired Squadron Leader Ritswanetsi Vuyo Ncube, who died on Friday after his Air Force jet crashed near Gweru.
Ncube, a veteran of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) war and former instructor with the South African Air Force, was on a routine training flight when the Chengdu J-7/F-7 fighter jet went down in the Wazheri area.
In a sombre statement, General Sibanda said:
“The Zimbabwe Defence Forces have learnt, with heavy hearts, of the passing of a proficient and highly experienced pilot, Squadron Leader Ncube, following this tragic aircraft accident.”
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of the deceased. I extend my deepest condolences to his loved ones during this difficult time.”
Final moments of a veteran aviator
The jet took off from Josiah Tungamirai Air Force Base, formerly Thornhill, and crashed shortly after. Eyewitnesses reported a trail of smoke and a loud bang.
One local resident told ZimLive:
“We saw smoke coming from the trees and rushed to check. The fire was still burning when we got there.”
Initially, there were hopes that Ncube had ejected safely. His body was not found in the fuselage. However, those hopes were dashed when his body was discovered a short distance from the wreckage.
An Air Force insider confirmed:
“In his last communication with ground control, he shouted ‘fire’ and ‘aircraft uncontrollable’ before we lost contact.”
Questions over ageing aircraft
The jet, one of 12 Chinese-built aircraft delivered to Zimbabwe in 1986, was being used for a routine sortie. Its crash has once again raised concerns over the airworthiness of the Air Force of Zimbabwe’s ageing fleet.
A full investigation into the cause of the crash is underway, according to ZDF.
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