A helicopter belonging to the Air Force of Zimbabwe (AFZ) crashed shortly after taking off from Masvingo Airport on a significant day for Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who was celebrating his 82nd birthday organized by the Zanu PF Youth League.
The helicopter was headed to Harare when it went down soon after departure. Fortunately, only crew members were on board, with one sustaining minor injuries, and no fatalities were reported.
The Zimbabwe Youth Action Platform (ZYAP) has labeled the incident a “treasonous attack” and is calling for the death penalty for those responsible.
In a media briefing in Harare, ZYAP chairman Tonderai Chidawa demanded an independent panel to investigate the incident.
“As ZYAP, we strongly condemn this attack on the life of our President and visionary leader, who was meant to be on the helicopter. We call for the immediate establishment of an independent inquiry to uncover the truth behind this attack. We further insist that the harshest penalties be imposed on those found complicit, including the death penalty,” Chidawa stated.