By Munacho Gwamanda- The Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) has confirmed the tragic death of Air Lieutenant Nesbert Tambudza, a promising young pilot from the Air Force of Zimbabwe, after the Karakorum-8 (K-8) jet trainer aircraft he was piloting crashed near Guinea Fowl, just outside Gweru, on Thursday.
The fatal accident occurred during a solo training exercise focused on consolidation general handling navigation.
The crash took place about five kilometers east of Guinea Fowl, where the aircraft was extensively damaged upon impact.
Fortunately, there were no civilian casualties or damage to property reported at the crash site.
The loss of Air Lieutenant Tambudza has left the military community and the nation in mourning.
General Philip Valerio Sibanda, Commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, expressed his condolences: “The news of the death of Air Lieutenant Tambudza has been received with heavy hearts. On behalf of the officers, men, and women of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, I extend heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues. This is a devastating loss not only to his loved ones but to the entire Air Force and nation,” said the General.
At the time of his passing, Tambudza was in the final stages of his jet flying conversion training at Number 2 Squadron, Josiah Tungamirai Air Force Base in Gweru.
He was learning to operate the K-8, a Chinese-made jet known for its maneuverability and role in training Air Force pilots in advanced combat skills.
Tambudza was seen as an exceptionally talented and dedicated officer, with great potential for the future.
“He was a young and talented pilot with immense potential,” said General Sibanda. “His dedication, skill, and promise made him a standout officer in the Air Force of Zimbabwe. We mourn his passing and honor his contribution to our forces.”
In response to the incident, the Air Force of Zimbabwe has convened a Board of Inquiry to investigate the cause of the crash.
The death of Air Lieutenant Tambudza is the latest in a series of incidents involving Zimbabwe’s Air Force planes, a history marked by crashes that have raised serious concerns about the safety of the country’s military aviation.
One of the most notable and concerning patterns in Zimbabwe’s Air Force aviation history involves several crashes of aircraft used by high-ranking government officials, including President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
These incidents have further amplified worries about the safety protocols and the aging fleet of aircraft operated by the Air Force.