Veteran Zimbabwe Air Force Pilot Dies in Jet Crash Near Gweru

NOMAZULU MOYO|June 1, 2025

***CRASH: Veteran Zimbabwean Air Force pilot Vuyo Ncube has died after his fighter jet crashed during a training flight near Gweru. Photo: Supplied***

A respected Air Force of Zimbabwe pilot, Squadron Leader (Retired) Vuyo Ncube, died on Friday after his fighter jet crashed during a training flight near Gweru.

The crash happened in the Carafoc area, not far from the Josiah Tungamirai Air Force Base, formerly known as Thornhill, according to eyewitness.

The aircraft, a Chengdu J-7/F-7, was on a routine mission when it went down.

Eyewitnesses described a scene of panic and confusion.

“We saw smoke coming from the trees and rushed to the area. At first, we hoped he had ejected,” said a local resident who was among the first at the scene.

Initial reports suggested that Ncube might have ejected from the aircraft, as his body was not found inside the fuselage. However, his remains were later discovered a short distance from the wreckage.

An Air Force source said that in his final radio communication, Ncube reportedly shouted the words, “fire” and “aircraft uncontrollable,” indicating he was struggling with a critical emergency before the crash.

CONFUSION: Eyewitnesses described a scene of panic and confusion. Initial reports suggested that Ncube might have ejected from the aircraft, as his body was not found inside the fuselage. Photo: Supplied

In an official statement, the Air Force of Zimbabwe confirmed the crash.

“A dark cloud has engulfed the Zimbabwe Defence Forces family after an Air Force of Zimbabwe (AFZ) F-7 fighter aircraft crashed in the Wazheri general area, along the Gweru-Mvuma Road. As a result of the crash, the pilot, Squadron Leader (Retired) Ritswanetsi Vuyo Ncube, lost his life,” the statement said.

Ncube was a veteran of the Democratic Republic of Congo conflict and had rejoined the Air Force after retirement to train young fighter pilots.

“Squadron Leader Ncube had a passion for flying and a dedication to serve his nation,” the statement added.

Commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, General Philip Valerio Sibanda, expressed his condolences:

“The Zimbabwe Defence Forces have learnt, with heavy hearts, of the passing of a proficient and highly experienced pilot, Squadron Leader Ncube, after an aircraft accident. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of the deceased pilot. I want to extend my deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased for this sad loss.”

An investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the crash.