Masvingo Helicopter Crash During Mumutapa Day Celebrations

An airborne helicopter carrying the Zimbabwean president crashed soon after lifting off in Masvingo, a southern city. It was confirmed that President Emmerson Mnangagwa was not aboard at the time, and the crew members on board survived without serious injuries. The update came through Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation, with remarks from Zimbabwe Information Minister Jenphan Muswere. Early official statements stressed that the president’s absence from the aircraft meant there was no immediate danger to him or his entourage, and safety measures were being reviewed as a precaution.nnOfficials described the incident as occurring during the first public celebrations of Mumutapa Day, a moment that coincides with Mnangagwa’s birthday on September 15 in Masvingo. The event seeks to revive interest in the ancient Munhumutapa Empire that once dominated parts of the region that is today Zimbabwe. The day was organized by the ruling ZANU-PF Youth League, a party arm that coordinates cultural and patriotic programs to showcase heritage and align with the party’s broader development goals.nnThe attendance included President Mnangagwa and his wife Oxilia, Vice President Kembo Mohadi, ZANU-PF Chairman and Defence Minister Oppa Muchinguri-Kashiri, along with other senior officials and security aides who took part in the ceremonies. The gathering underscored the ceremonial weight of the day and the country’s ongoing emphasis on national pride and historical memory.nnInitial evidence pointed to a technical fault as the likely trigger for the crash, though investigators have emphasized that a complete assessment is required. The Zimbabwe Civil Aviation Authority has opened a formal inquiry, interviewing crew members, reviewing maintenance records, and examining flight data to determine root causes and to reinforce aviation safety standards for future operations.nnA final line in the material mentions a former chief of general staff of the Iranian Armed Forces in relation to the crash involving President Raisi, though no direct connection to the Masvingo incident is stated.