Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. HARARE, July 25,2025 (NewsDayLive) – The United Kingdom, through its partnership with The HALO Trust, has officially handed over 20 Minelab F3 mine detectors to the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF), reinforcing Zimbabwe’s national capacity to clear landmines and move closer to a mine-free future.
The detectors form part of the UK’s US$33 million contribution to demining efforts in Zimbabwe. Initially procured by the UK government for clearance operations in Mozambique, the equipment was redeployed to Zimbabwe following the successful completion of activities in the neighbouring country.
In response to a formal request from the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF), the HALO Trust transferred the surplus detectors and integrated them into its UK-funded demining programme in Zimbabwe.
“This donation reflects the UK’s long-standing commitment to humanitarian mine action and our strong partnership with Zimbabwe,” said Alastair Kern, the UK embassy defence attaché. “These detectors have already proven their value in saving lives and restoring land. We are confident this donation will go a long way to achieving a mine-free Zimbabwe.”
The Minelab F3 detectors are essential front-line tools used by HALO’s demining teams to detect and safely remove various types of landmines found in Zimbabwe. Led by the Zimbabwe Mine Action Centre (ZIMAC), and in partnership with world-leading organisations such as HALO and Mines Advisory Group (MAG), the UK’s Global Mine Action Programme has supported demining efforts in Zimbabwe since 2016.
The partnership has cleared over six million square metres of land; released more than 13.8 million square metres; destroyed over 250,000 anti-personnel mines; provided risk education to more than 83,000 beneficiaries; and directly benefited over 20,000 people in rural border communities of Mount Darwin and Rushinga districts
HALO programme manager Oliver Gerard-Pearse said: “Since 2013, HALO has partnered closely with the Zimbabwe Mine Action Centre. The recent donation of 20 detectors to the National Mine Clearance Unit reflects ongoing collaboration between HALO, the UK, and the government of Zimbabwe to eliminate the threat of landmines and support a safer future for Zimbabweans.”
The handover marks another milestone in the UK’s support for Zimbabwe’s development and security, helping to restore livelihoods, improve safety, and unlock economic potential in mine-affected areas.
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