ZIMBABWE’S Victoria Falls Airport encountered a state of emergency on Friday as a bomb scare prompted its shutdown, compelling President Edson Mnangagwa to abort his scheduled appearance at a conference on renewable energy, as confirmed by an official statement.
According to presidential spokesman George Charamba, President Mnangagwa had been slated to deliver his address at the conference in the morning. However, in light of the unfolding situation, his trip was swiftly suspended to accommodate ongoing investigations. Charamba stated, ‘President Mnangagwa had to suspend his trip to allow for investigations which are already underway.’
While rumours circulated regarding the president’s plane executing a U-turn en route to the conference, authorities refrained from confirming these reports. Charamba disclosed that the airport authorities were notified by Fastjet airline about an ominous email, purportedly sent by an individual identified only as ‘John Doe,’ which outlined a credible threat targeting Zimbabwe’s airports with explosives or firearms. Charamba emphasised, ‘Such alerts on possible terrorist attacks are taken very seriously.’
Charamba further highlighted the urgency of the situation, asserting that security systems were now operating under heightened alert status. He urged the populace to remain calm as investigations progress, affirming that despite Zimbabwe’s overall peaceful state and secured ports of entry, such alerts regarding potential terrorist activities are treated with utmost seriousness. ‘While our country is peaceful, and all our ports of entry are well secured, such alerts on possible terrorist attacks are taken very seriously,’ he said.
In response to the incident, the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe acknowledged the disruptions caused, with some flights being diverted or experiencing delays in landing. Anticipating ongoing monitoring requirements, further disruptions were deemed probable. The Civil Aviation Authority remarked, ‘The incident had forced some flights to divert or delay landing.’
While Zimbabwe seldom encounters such incidents, memories of the 2018 explosion in Bulawayo, the nation’s second-largest city, linger. The explosion, which occurred during a campaign rally preceding the presidential election, claimed two lives and left about 50 individuals wounded. President Mnangagwa narrowly escaped harm, but casualties included two vice presidents and other high-ranking officials. Despite the subsequent arrest of two individuals, they were later released due to insufficient evidence.
The nation remains vigilant as investigations into the bomb scare at Victoria Falls Airport continue, prioritising the safety and security of its citizens and visitors alike.
(with AP)