Panic at Holiday Inn Bulawayo over 'bomb scare' - turns out to be mock drill

Guests at the Holiday Inn hotel in Bulawayo were briefly evacuated from their rooms on Tuesday morning following what was initially described as a "bomb scare," prompting swift emergency response from the police and military bomb disposal unit.

The situation, which unfolded around mid-morning, saw police officers rushing into the premises and an ambulance arriving at the scene, raising concerns among onlookers and hotel guests.

However, in a statement issued shortly afterward, Holiday Inn management clarified that the alarm was part of a routine mock drill mandated to take place every six months as part of standard security preparedness protocols.

"There was no real threat to guests or staff. This was a scheduled mock bomb drill which we are required to do once every 6 months in coordination with the relevant security agencies," the hotel said.

The exercise involved the Zimbabwe Republic Police and the Zimbabwe National Army's bomb disposal unit to simulate a real-time response to a bomb threat, as part of ongoing efforts to enhance emergency readiness.

Despite the assurance, the drill caused temporary panic among guests, many of whom were unaware it was a simulation. Some expressed frustration at not being informed ahead of time.

Authorities and hotel management have since apologised for the alarm caused and reiterated their commitment to guest safety.

Police also confirmed the incident was a drill and urged members of the public not to panic over similar exercises in the future.

No injuries or damages were reported.