The country’s airports are now operating normally and stakeholders should use them without any reservations after the country’s security systems were put on high alert yesterday in response to reports of a bomb or firearm threat targeting the country’s ports of entry.
Zimbabwe Airports Corporation CEO, Mr Tawanda Gosha, yesterday assured the nation that everything was in place for safe air travel following tightened security measures across the country.
The government had earlier issued a statement urging calm as security systems in the country were put in place to deal with any threats as investigations continued.
The alert was raised after Fastjet Airlines sent an email to Zimbabwean authorities originating from “John Doe” who claimed to have credible information that there was a bomb or firearm threat targeting Zimbabwean airports.
Investigations are also ongoing into Doe’s nationality and location.
Speaking to the Herald last night, Mr Gosha said: “(Airports) are operational including Victoria Falls International Airport.
“We want to assure stakeholders and all airport users that security agencies have taken all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of travelers.”
In an earlier statement yesterday, the Deputy Principal Secretary in the Office of the President and Cabinet (Presidential Communications), Mr George Charamba, said the country’s security systems have been placed on high alert.
Warn.
“This morning, Zimbabwe airport authorities became aware of an email sent via Fastjet by a John Doe individual claiming there was a ‘credible bomb/firearm threat’ targeting Zimbabwe airports,” Mr Charamba said.
“As a precautionary measure, the country’s security systems are now on high alert following this message whose source and authenticity are also being investigated.
“While our country is at peace, and all our ports of entry are well secured, such warnings about possible terrorist attacks are taken and dealt with very seriously, as nothing should be left to chance.
“We urge the nation to remain calm while investigations are conducted, the results of which will be published by relevant government agencies once the investigations are completed.
“His Excellency President Dr Ed Mnangagwa, who was scheduled to speak this morning to address a meeting at the premier resort of Victoria Falls, has been forced to suspend his trip to allow investigations already underway to take place.” Announce
