An investigation is underway after pilots flying President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s aircraft were reportedly targeted with ground-based lasers during their approach to the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport in Harare.
According to <a href="https://www.zimlive.com/probe-into-laser-strike-on-mnangagwas-plane-at-rgm-international/">ZimLive</a>, the alleged incident occurred just before 7 PM on July 12, as President Mnangagwa was returning from a trip to Mozambique aboard an Air Zimbabwe Boeing 737.
Sources have told ZimLive that the pilots reported being temporarily blinded by intense laser-like lights while in the final stages of their approach to the airport.
Authorities are treating this incident with the utmost seriousness. A multi-agency investigation has been launched, involving the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe, the Air Force of Zimbabwe, the national police, and the country’s intelligence services.
When contacted by the publication, George Charamba, the Deputy Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet (Presidential Communications) declined to discuss the exact nature of the identified threat, saying doing so would “jeopardise investigations currently underway.” He said:
<blockquote>
I can confirm the incident which has affected or menaced many other airports, foremost Gatwick in England. The misdemeanour has to be nipped in the bud.
</blockquote>
Investigators will also be seeking to establish if there is any potential connection between the alleged laser strike incident and the recent unsolved break-ins at the private homes of President Mnangagwa, his son David, and the offices of his nephew Tongai Mnangagwa.
During these break-ins, nothing of significant value was reported stolen, raising suspicions of a more sinister motive.
The use of high-powered lasers to intentionally target aircraft, known as a “laser strike”, is a concerning and dangerous phenomenon that has been widely reported in Europe and the United States. 
Shining lasers at planes, whether during take-off or landing, can temporarily blind or disorient pilots, putting the safety of the entire aircraft and all those on board at risk.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

Someone pointed a laser at President Mnangagwa's plane as it landed in Zimbabwe. This is dangerous because it can blind pilots, making it hard to land safely. Investigators are looking into the incident. They are also checking if it's connected to recent break-ins at the president's family's homes. Shining lasers at planes is a big problem in other countries too. It can be very risky and can cause accidents. Authorities are taking this seriously and want to find out who did it.

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