AN Air Force of Zimbabwe K-8 trainer aircraft has crashed in Guinea Fowl, Gweru, killing a trainee pilot.
In a statement released by the Zimbabwe Defence Forces this Thursday, Commander Zimbabwe Defence Forces General Philip Valerio Sibanda said the ZDF is saddened by the death of Air Lieutenant Nesbert Tambudza.
General Sibanda added that the entire ZDF is mourning the sad loss of a talented pilot who was on a solo consolidation general handling navigation training.
The late Air Lieutenant was selected to undergo a jet flying conversion training course at Number 2 Squadron, Josiah Tungamirai Air Force Base in Gweru, and was in the final phase of training on the K-8 jet.
There were no civilian casualties or damage to property on the ground.
The AFZ has constituted a Board of Inquiry to investigate the cause of the accident.
Meanwhile, Commander Air Force of Zimbabwe Air Marshal John Jacob Nzvede, presided over a handover and takeover ceremony at Manyame Air Base this Thursday.
The event saw Air Commodore Elisha Masakadza officially handing over the command to Air Commodore Ernest Matsambira.
“I want to thank the Manyame Airbase community for supporting me during my tenure as the Base Commander,” Air Commodore Masakadza said.
“I therefore promise to continue driving the base to another level of proficiency. I am fully aware of the limited resources versus the base tasks, but through teamwork, coordination, and communication, we can overcome these challenges.
I urge members to remain professional and disciplined, and to work together for the success of the base,” Air Commodore Matsambira added.
Air Marshal Nzvede emphasised the critical role of teamwork and unity within the AFZ.
“I have emphasised the need for teamwork and leadership in view of the pending tasks that need to be attained by the Base.
This change of command has come at a time when the modernisation of the Air Force of Zimbabwe has gathered momentum,” said Air Marshal Nzvede.
“The realisation of this vision is a result of the support from the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces and wise guidance from the Commander Zimbabwe Defence Forces.
“Manyame Air Force Base is, therefore, charged with the responsibility to effectively train officers and members to effectively operate modern equipment.
In the area of training, I am happy that all the schools housed on this Base, have begun to revisit their syllabi in line with the government’s guidance under Education 5.0 which is a heritage-based model that promotes research, innovation, and industrialisation.”
Air Commodore Matsambira becomes the 25th Base Commander to take the reins at Manyame Air Base.
