Zim plane: Everything 'normal'
2004-03-09 13:59
Harare - The situtation in Zimbabwe is "normal" following the seizure of a US-registered plane at the weekend that was carrying 64 suspected mercenaries, Zimbabwe's army spokesperson said on Tuesday.
Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) spokesman Ben Ncube refused to comment on international media reports that the military in the southern African country had been put on full alert.
"We are always alert. Everything is normal as far as we're concerned," said Lieutenant Colonel Ncube.
A picture on the front page of Tuesday's edition of the state-controlled Herald showed military police inspecting some of the cargo on board the Boeing 727-100 cargo plane that was impounded at Harare International Airport on Sunday.
Rumours
The army spokesman said the issue was being handled by the police and the ministry of home affairs, as rumours swirled around the capital about the state of security in the country and the whereabouts of the 64 detained suspects.
Police spokesman Wayne Bvudzijena confirmed a report by state media that the bomb disposal unit, which includes army personnel, was on Tuesday expected to complete searching the aircraft's cargo sections.
"That is normal procedure," he said. However, he was tight-lipped over the identities and nationalities of the suspects, saying that home affairs minister Kembo Mohadi would issue a full statement on Tuesday or Wednesday.
The minister meanwhile was said to be locked in a cabinet meeting on Tuesday.
Some of the equipment aboard the plane shown on state television included satellite telephones, compasses, radios, military-style knives and boots, bolt-cutters and sleeping bags.