By Ndumiso Tshuma
Villagers in Thandawani, Ward 7 of Masendu, Plumtree, discovered an unexploded hand grenade believed to date back to the liberation war era.
The device was unearthed last Thursday by a local resident after heavy rains eroded the soil, exposing it. A villager said the grenade appeared to have been buried for decades.
“It looks like it was left during the war. Thankfully, no one was injured,” he said.
The Zimbabwe National Army responded swiftly, dispatching a bomb disposal unit that safely detonated the device, averting any potential harm.
“Soldiers arrived the same day and neutralised the grenade. We are relieved,” another villager added.
Police have confirmed the incident and say investigations are ongoing.
“We are still conducting investigations into the matter, but the Zimbabwe National Army destroyed the object. It was discovered on 12 May 2025 and destroyed on 15 May 2025,” said Assistant Inspector Stanford Mguni, spokesperson for the Matabeleland South provincial police.