President Mnangagwa Mourns 2 Air Force Of Zimbabwe Pilots Who Died In Aircraft Crash
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has sent messages of condolence to the Munyanduki and Manyenga families following the death of two Air Force of Zimbabwe pilots – Group Captain Ben Munyanduki and Wing Commander Daniel Manyenga – in an aircraft crash.
The duo died when an Air Force of Zimbabwe (AFZ) SF260 trainer aircraft, crashed in the Mlezu College general area near Gweru, killing the two pilots onboard.
The aircraft was on a routine training sortie when it hit a power line and crashed. In a statement seen by Pindula News, President Mnangagwa said the deceased were among the most experienced cadres in the Airforce of Zimbabwe. Reads the statement:
Condolence Message by His Excellency the President, Dr E.D. Mnangagwa, following a fatal crash of Air Force of Zimbabwe Trainer Aircraft claiming Two Pilots: Group Captain Ben Munyanduki and Wing Commander Daniel Manyenga, Harare, 6th February, 2023.
The death of two Senior Officer Pilots in a fatal aircrash in Midlands on 3rd February, 2023, was a heart-wrenching tragedy which robbed our Air Force of Zimbabwe. AFZ, of two of its most experienced cadres whose dedication and loyalty to their country was beyond debate. Late Group Captain Ben Munyanduki and Wing Commander Daniel Manyenga ranked among the best in the Air Force of Zimbabwe, and leave behind an indelible career as trainers in the Force I am deeply saddened that such promising Officers whose prospects in AFZ were great. have had their lives cut in this sudden, very violent and unexpected way, all in the course of duty. Our Nation salutes them for their outstanding role in safeguarding Zimbabwe’s air- space and thus its territorial integrity and sovereignty. They will be sorely missed in the AFZ, and by the many pilots and pilot-cadets who went through their hands.
On behalf of our Nation, Government, the Zimbabwe Defence Force, ZDF, my Family and on my behalf, I, with a very heavy heart, express my deepest, heartfelt condolences to Families of the two deceased senior officers. and to their spouses and children especially In condoling with the Families, I urge them to find solace and comfort in that our whole Nation shares in their grief and joins them in mourning the two officers’ untimely demise. They shall forever remain in our hearts.
May their dear souls rest in eternal peace.
