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ZNA confirms anti-tank mine caused Binga explosion
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The Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) has confirmed that an anti-tank mine, likely a remnant from the liberation struggle, caused the tragic explosion that claimed the lives of three people in Binga. The incident occurred when a Binga Rural District Council (RDC) vehicle struck the undetonated mine in an area not designated as a minefield.
The explosion near Sebungwe Mouth on January 8, 2025, resulted in the deaths of three individuals and injuries to three others. The deceased have been identified as members of the Binga RDC team, who were en route back to Binga Centre after performing menial jobs at Binga RDC chief executive officer Joshua Muzamba's house.
The injured are Binga RDC employees: driver Micka Munsaka (50), Obert Brown Munkuli, and Nonsern Munsaka. Munsaka, who was driving a Toyota Land Cruiser, took an alternative route to avoid muddy conditions on the main road when the vehicle struck the anti-tank mine, triggering the explosion.
Deputy director of army public relations, Lieutenant Colonel Tichafa Mungofa, confirmed the findings of the investigation:
"The Zimbabwe National Army would like to confirm that a vehicle belonging to Binga Rural District Council was hit by an anti-tank mine at Sebungwe Sanctuary in Binga on January 8, 2025, at 5PM. Investigations revealed that the place of the incident was not marked as a minefield, and the anti-tank mine could be a remnant from the liberation struggle, exposed due to incessant rains and weather conditions.
"Due to potholes on the section of the road where the incident occurred, the driver manoeuvred off the road, and unfortunately, the vehicle was hit by the anti-tank mine, triggering the explosion."
Circumstances suggest that Munsaka drove the vehicle from Binga Centre to Sebungwe Mouth early in the morning, and after completing their tasks at Muzamba's house around 5PM, the trio began their return journey. Choosing a shortcut route, the vehicle encountered the mine, leading to the fatal explosion.
Local businessman residing at Sebungwe Mouth rushed to the scene to provide immediate assistance. Wonder, who lost both legs, and Yuna, who suffered a fractured leg, were transported to Simatelele Clinic and later transferred to Binga District Hospital. Unfortunately, Wonder died en route, and Yuna passed away upon admission.
Munsaka suffered back and neck injuries, with fractured ribs and a pelvic bone, and was expected to be transferred to Mpilo Central Hospital in Bulawayo. Munkuli is in stable condition but complained of left side back pain.
The vehicle was extensively damaged in the explosion. Authorities have urged the community to exercise caution in areas with potential mine hazards and to report suspicious objects immediately.
The explosion near Sebungwe Mouth on January 8, 2025, resulted in the deaths of three individuals and injuries to three others. The deceased have been identified as members of the Binga RDC team, who were en route back to Binga Centre after performing menial jobs at Binga RDC chief executive officer Joshua Muzamba's house.
The injured are Binga RDC employees: driver Micka Munsaka (50), Obert Brown Munkuli, and Nonsern Munsaka. Munsaka, who was driving a Toyota Land Cruiser, took an alternative route to avoid muddy conditions on the main road when the vehicle struck the anti-tank mine, triggering the explosion.
Deputy director of army public relations, Lieutenant Colonel Tichafa Mungofa, confirmed the findings of the investigation:
"The Zimbabwe National Army would like to confirm that a vehicle belonging to Binga Rural District Council was hit by an anti-tank mine at Sebungwe Sanctuary in Binga on January 8, 2025, at 5PM. Investigations revealed that the place of the incident was not marked as a minefield, and the anti-tank mine could be a remnant from the liberation struggle, exposed due to incessant rains and weather conditions.
Circumstances suggest that Munsaka drove the vehicle from Binga Centre to Sebungwe Mouth early in the morning, and after completing their tasks at Muzamba's house around 5PM, the trio began their return journey. Choosing a shortcut route, the vehicle encountered the mine, leading to the fatal explosion.
Local businessman residing at Sebungwe Mouth rushed to the scene to provide immediate assistance. Wonder, who lost both legs, and Yuna, who suffered a fractured leg, were transported to Simatelele Clinic and later transferred to Binga District Hospital. Unfortunately, Wonder died en route, and Yuna passed away upon admission.
Munsaka suffered back and neck injuries, with fractured ribs and a pelvic bone, and was expected to be transferred to Mpilo Central Hospital in Bulawayo. Munkuli is in stable condition but complained of left side back pain.
The vehicle was extensively damaged in the explosion. Authorities have urged the community to exercise caution in areas with potential mine hazards and to report suspicious objects immediately.
Source - the chronicle
