A bomb scare at Victoria Falls International Airport has caused President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Falcon 7X aircraft to turn back to Harare, disrupting his plans to attend a conference in the resort town. The scare was prompted by an email sent through Fastjet Airlines, warning of a “credible bomb/firearm threat” targeting Zimbabwean airports. Presidential spokesperson George Charamba emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating that while the country is peaceful and ports are secure, all alerts of possible terrorist attacks are taken seriously.
In response to the threat, heightened security measures have been put in place, with investigations ongoing to determine the source and credibility of the email. This incident comes after reports of other flights being diverted, including a Kenyan Airways flight from Nairobi that had to hold before diverting to Livingstone, Zambia. Passengers on board were temporarily restricted from disembarking as authorities conducted their investigations.
This is not the first time President Mnangagwa has faced such threats, as he survived a bomb blast at White City Stadium in 2018, which was seen as an assassination attempt by Zanu PF. Tragically, two security personnel lost their lives as a result of the attack.
The safety and security of Zimbabwe’s airports and its people remain a top priority, with authorities working diligently to ensure the protection of all individuals. As the investigation into the recent bomb scare continues, vigilance and caution are paramount in safeguarding against potential threats.
