Staff Reporter
A landmine explosion in Binga on Wednesday tragically claimed the lives of three individuals and left several others injured. The blast occurred at Sebungwe Narrows in Simatelele, under Chief Siachilaba, when a vehicle belonging to the Binga Rural District Council (RDC) struck a landmine.
Government spokesperson Nick Mangwana confirmed the incident, explaining that the vehicle was traveling along the road connecting Mabwe and Sebungu Narrows when it detonated the mine.
"The vehicle, carrying six passengers, was traveling on the road connecting Mabwe and Sebungu Narrows when it detonated the hidden device. The blast instantly killed a 14-year-old girl who was in the vehicle, while two men succumbed to their injuries on the way to Binga Rural District Hospital. The remaining three passengers sustained injuries but are reportedly in stable condition," Mangwana said.
The explosion prompted a swift response from the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA), which deployed a de-mining team to assess the area and search for any additional landmines. Initial reports suggest that the landmine had been placed along the road’s edge in a location narrowly missed by passing vehicles until that fateful day.
"The placement of the mine, just off the road's edge, was apparently so subtle that it had escaped detection despite several vehicles passing in close proximity," Mangwana added.
Landmine survivor, Courage Masuka, expressed his condolences following the devastating event. Masuka, who has had a close call with a landmine in the past, reflected on the tragedy with empathy.
“It is sad. My condolences to the bereaved families. I once escaped a landmine by a whisker in Rushinga. Somehow, I noticed a metal object semi-protruding in the ground. I stopped my vehicle, and long story short, Halo Trust came in full force,” Masuka said.
The incident highlights the enduring dangers posed by landmines in Zimbabwe, particularly in areas that were once conflict zones. Despite ongoing efforts by various organisations, including the Zimbabwean military and international de-mining teams, to clear these hazardous remnants of war, incidents like the one in Binga continue to pose a significant risk to local communities.
As investigations continue, the Government has pledged to increase de-mining efforts in affected areas to prevent future tragedies. The Ministry of Defence and some humanitarian organisations are urging the public to report any suspicious devices to the authorities as part of a broader effort to make these regions safe.
