A bomb scare led to the shutdown of Zimbabwe’s Victoria Falls Airport on Friday, prompting President Edson Mnangagwa to cancel his planned address at a renewable energy conference. The president had to suspend his trip for ongoing investigations following reports of a bomb threat targeting Zimbabwe’s airports. Airport authorities were alerted by Fastjet airline about an email from an unidentified sender claiming a credible threat.
Security measures have been heightened in response to the threat, with authorities urging the public to remain calm as investigations continue. While Zimbabwe is generally peaceful and its ports of entry are well secured, the potential for terrorist attacks is taken seriously.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe reported that the incident caused flight diversions and delays, with further disruptions expected as the situation is monitored. While such incidents are rare in the country, a 2018 explosion in Bulawayo during a campaign rally ahead of the presidential election resulted in casualties.
President Mnangagwa narrowly escaped harm in the Bulawayo blast, which injured several top officials and security aides. Two individuals initially arrested in connection with the explosion were later released due to insufficient evidence.
