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Anti-tank mine caused Binga explosion, says ZNA
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An anti-tank mine, believed to be a remnant of Zimbabwe's liberation struggle, caused a tragic explosion on Wednesday, killing three people and injuring three others. The incident occurred near Sebungwe Mouth when a Binga Rural District Council (RDC) vehicle struck the undetonated mine, which had been exposed by recent rains.
The victims were employees of the Binga RDC, identified as driver Micka Munsaka (50), Obert Brown Munkuli, and Nonsern Munsaka. They had been returning to Binga Centre after completing work at the home of Binga RDC chief executive officer Joshua Muzamba in Sebungwe Mouth.
According to police reports, the group was traveling in a Toyota Land Cruiser belonging to the RDC's Campfire Department. Due to poor road conditions, the driver opted for a shortcut. The vehicle veered off the road to avoid potholes, inadvertently triggering the mine.
The explosion flung the vehicle into the air before it landed on its side. One woman in the loading box sustained fatal head and body injuries, dying instantly. Two other passengers, Wonder and Yuna, suffered critical injuries.
A local businessman rushed to the scene and transported the injured to Simatelele Clinic. They were later transferred to Binga District Hospital, where Wonder died en route, and Yuna succumbed to injuries upon arrival.
Zimbabwe National Army deputy director of public relations, Lieutenant Colonel Tichafa Mungofa, confirmed the explosion was caused by an anti-tank mine.
"Investigations revealed the area was not marked as a minefield. The anti-tank mine is likely a remnant from the liberation struggle, exposed by heavy rains. The driver maneuvered off the road to avoid potholes, triggering the mine," Lt Col Mungofa stated.
The incident highlights the enduring risks posed by unexploded ordnance from Zimbabwe's liberation war. While many areas have been demined, some remain unmarked and hazardous, particularly in remote regions like Binga.
Efforts are underway to investigate and secure the site to prevent further tragedies. The Zimbabwe National Army is expected to collaborate with local authorities to identify and clear any additional unexploded ordnance in the area.
The loss of lives has sent shockwaves through the Binga community, with residents calling for increased awareness and demining initiatives to safeguard rural populations from similar dangers.
The victims were employees of the Binga RDC, identified as driver Micka Munsaka (50), Obert Brown Munkuli, and Nonsern Munsaka. They had been returning to Binga Centre after completing work at the home of Binga RDC chief executive officer Joshua Muzamba in Sebungwe Mouth.
According to police reports, the group was traveling in a Toyota Land Cruiser belonging to the RDC's Campfire Department. Due to poor road conditions, the driver opted for a shortcut. The vehicle veered off the road to avoid potholes, inadvertently triggering the mine.
The explosion flung the vehicle into the air before it landed on its side. One woman in the loading box sustained fatal head and body injuries, dying instantly. Two other passengers, Wonder and Yuna, suffered critical injuries.
A local businessman rushed to the scene and transported the injured to Simatelele Clinic. They were later transferred to Binga District Hospital, where Wonder died en route, and Yuna succumbed to injuries upon arrival.
Zimbabwe National Army deputy director of public relations, Lieutenant Colonel Tichafa Mungofa, confirmed the explosion was caused by an anti-tank mine.
"Investigations revealed the area was not marked as a minefield. The anti-tank mine is likely a remnant from the liberation struggle, exposed by heavy rains. The driver maneuvered off the road to avoid potholes, triggering the mine," Lt Col Mungofa stated.
The incident highlights the enduring risks posed by unexploded ordnance from Zimbabwe's liberation war. While many areas have been demined, some remain unmarked and hazardous, particularly in remote regions like Binga.
Efforts are underway to investigate and secure the site to prevent further tragedies. The Zimbabwe National Army is expected to collaborate with local authorities to identify and clear any additional unexploded ordnance in the area.
The loss of lives has sent shockwaves through the Binga community, with residents calling for increased awareness and demining initiatives to safeguard rural populations from similar dangers.
Source - the herald
