Diamonds transporting plane crash-lands in Beatric...

Diamonds transporting plane crash-lands in Beatrice

PA-31 Piper Navajo ADs | Piper Owner Society

Zim Now Writer

A Piper 31 Navajo aircraft which crash-landed near Beatrice was confirmed to have been carrying a parcel of diamonds which were being transported under armed guard by police and private security officials, it has emerged.

The plane, owned by diamonds miner Murowa (Private) Limited which is a subsidiary of RioZim Limited, was transporting diamonds from the company’s Zvishavane mine to its Harare head office.

The five passengers were identified as the pilot Zvikomborero Nyamakura of Borrowdale, Murowa Diamonds security officer Salfina Karimazondo, Constable Obey Mabvundwi of CID Minerals Flora and Fauna Unit and two security guards from Fawcett Security Company, Petros Chaguruka and Fredrick Maroyi.

Police Spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said no one was killed in the crash, but the people on board were injured and taken to hospital for treatment.

“We are now working together with officials from the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ) to ascertain the cause of the accident. More details will be released in due course.

“Investigations into the cause of the crash are continuing, but there are preliminary indications that the plane could have developed an engine fault,” he said.

Police said the diamonds, which were being moved from Murowa’s mine in Zvishavane were secured before they were taken to Murowa Diamonds offices in Harare by security guards from Fawcetts.

RioZim Limited group corporate affairs executive, Tafadzwa Gova, said the cause of the crash is yet to be established.

“There were no casualties on board or on the ground. Damage was limited to the aircraft. There will be a full investigation by the company in conjunction with CAAZ, the regulator,” Gova said.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe could not comment on the incident at the time of going to press.