Drone causes stir in Victoria Falls

A DRONE aircraft fitted with cameras and owned by a tour operator in Victoria Falls has raised the ire of residents and tour operators who fear it is a security risk as its operations are shrouded in mystery.

The drone, known as the quadcopter or quadrotor helicopter, is a multi-rotor craft that is lifted and propelled by four rotors and remote-controlled by a person on the ground.

Residents accuse the operator of spying on them and were no longer free to do their business fearing their images were being captured by the gadget.

To add to the mystery, residents said they had no idea what the videos taken over residential places were being used for.

Reports were that the gadget was also used to fly over the falls, risking accidents, as it could interfere with helicopters from Zimbabwe and Zambia flying over the water falls, a journey known as the Flight of the Angels.

Fears were that the gadget could be used for spying, as it flew over protected areas or poaching, as it could easily be used to spy on wildlife.

Victoria Falls residents' association chairperson Morgan Gaza Dube said the drone should be stopped from operating until stakeholders agree on its operations.

"It's really unacceptable for a person to operate such a gadget without telling us what it's all about," he said.

"We don't know the purpose of the filming.

"We feel very insecure because no one has explained to us what it's all about.

"It's like walking into someone's home and filming."

Dube said authorities should introduce regulations on the use of unmanned aircraft.

"What value is that gadget adding to Victoria Falls?" he asked.

"We feel it should be stopped first and we meet as stakeholders so that we understand its purpose and agree, unlike the current situation where it's just being flown without our knowledge."

The owner of the drone could not be reached for comment yesterday.