Zimbabwe arrests suspect linked to airport bomb threat

Zimbabwean authorities have confirmed the arrest of a 26-year-old South African man suspected to be behind the email threat that led to the disruption of flights to Victoria Falls last Friday.

HARARE – Zimbabwean authorities have confirmed the arrest of a 26-year-old South African man suspected to be behind the email threat that led to the disruption of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s flight to Victoria Falls last Friday.

George Charamba, the spokesperson for President Mnangagwa, revealed that the suspect has been identified as Cuan Reed Govender.

“Our security services have traced the so-called John Doe to one Cuan Reed Govender,” Charamba stated.

Govender was apprehended on March 2 at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport in Harare after X-Ray scanners detected five bullets in his luggage as he was about to board a flight to Johannesburg.

Reports indicate that Govender, who had his left hand amputated in 2020 due to injuries sustained during an armed robbery, claimed the bullets were forgotten in his bag.

He asserted that the bag was used for a visit to a shooting range after purchasing a firearm for self-defence.

Zimbabwe Vice President Constantino Chiwenga addressing delegates at the International Renewable Energy Conference and Expo held in Victoria Falls on Friday 01 March 2024.
FILE: Zimbabwe Vice President Constantino Chiwenga addressing delegates at the International Renewable Energy Conference and Expo held in Victoria Falls on Friday 01 March 2024.

Govender, the general manager of a money transfer business, flew to Zimbabwe on February 26 for a week-long visit, marking his first trip to the country.

Appearing before Magistrate Sharon Rakafa at the Harare Magistrates Court on March 2 without legal representation, Govender was remanded to March 4 for plea recording.

The disruption last Friday saw President Mnangagwa‘s flight to Victoria Falls aborted after authorities received an email warning of a “credible bomb or firearm threat.”

Interestingly, Zimbabwe Vice President Constantino Chiwenga managed to travel to the resort town and ended up addressing delegates at the International Renewable Energy Conference and Expo.

Subsequent investigations led to tightened security measures at airports across Zimbabwe.

The email, sent by someone identifying as John Doe, detailed threats to flights and a conference in Victoria Falls, prompting urgent action from authorities.

As the investigation unfolds, Zimbabwean authorities are determined to ascertain the extent of Govender’s role and address any potential security risks posed by the incident.

RosGwen24 News
RosGwen24 News
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