MASVINGO – A presidential helicopter, scheduled to transport President Emmerson Mnangagwa back to Harare from Bikita, crashed shortly after takeoff from Masvingo Airport this afternoon.
The incident occurred following the President’s attendance at the launch of Munhumutapa Day—a new national event established to coincide with Mnangagwa’s 82nd birthday, which he celebrated today at the Great Zimbabwe Monuments.
The helicopter, which was carrying only its crew members, suffered a technical failure upon takeoff. One crew member was reportedly injured, though there were no fatalities. Contrary to some media reports, neither of the Vice-Presidents was on board.
Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga did not attend the Munhumutapa Day celebrations, and while Vice-President Kembo Mohadi was present at the event, he was not on the helicopter.
A source told The Zimbabwe Mail: “The helicopter was supposed to take off from Masvingo Airport in the late afternoon to go to Bikita and bring the President back to Harare.
There were two helicopters, but the presidential helicopter developed a technical fault shortly after takeoff and crashed with significant impact. Three crew members were aboard, and one was injured. Thankfully, there were no casualties.”
Mnangagwa was reportedly in Bikita to visit his father’s grave before returning to Harare. Bikita is his family’s original home before they relocated to the Mapanzure area of Zvishavane.
This is not the first time the President’s helicopter has experienced technical issues. In August 2021, another presidential chopper made an emergency landing 60 kilometres southwest of Harare due to a mechanical failure. That incident prompted a review of presidential security protocols.
Attempts to reach Mnangagwa’s media team for comment were unsuccessful at the time of publication.