A security guard has died and at least 150 houses have been affected after an explosion at a Buchwa Iron Mining Company (BIMCO) explosives magazine in Redcliff, in the Midlands.

The blast happened at about 3am on Sunday, 11 October. Midlands Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Owen Ncube said 1,200 boxes of explosives were stored at the site.

"Unfortunately, there were 1 200 boxes of explosives which exploded, causing damage to the whole of Redcliff," he said. "Houses, shops and garages have been affected by this explosion. Unfortunately, the security guard lost his life. Investigations are continuing."

The cause has not been established. The Municipality of Redcliff said preliminary findings point to a suspected attempted theft, and government spokesperson Ndavaningi Mangwana said Civil Protection Unit investigations "point to a suspected attempted theft of explosives". The guard was reportedly found with his hands tied behind his back. Ncube said the guard "was allegedly tied up before the suspected criminals attempted to open the explosives storage room". Municipality spokesperson Michael Magoronga said a bolt cutter and other tools were reportedly found at the scene, and that the matter is now with the Joint Operations Command (JOC).

The blast tore apart the concrete structure that held the explosives. It damaged homes, shops, garages and the Redcliff Civic Centre, and residents in several suburbs, including Torwood, reported shattered windows and collapsed ceilings. "Affected" covers everything from cracked glass to structural damage. It does not mean the houses were destroyed.

The count has gone up as inspections continue. Sunday's first assessment found at least 70 affected properties, and a later count put the figure at more than 80.

"We have so far established that at least 150 houses have been affected. These figures are cumulative, and assessments are continuing, so the numbers may change," said Redcliff town clerk Gilson Chakauya. He said a Civil Protection Unit meeting had been held on public safety and help for residents.

Security forces have put up barricades around the site. Zimbabwe National Army 5 Infantry Brigade commander Brigadier-General Lawrence Munzararikwa warned that some explosives may not have gone off. "We suspect strongly that after the explosion, we could have some remnants of explosives that did not explode or detonate," he said.

Mayor Alderman Vincent Shangwa Masiiwa has warned residents not to visit the site. Chakauya added: "What we continue to urge people is to stay clear until there is absolute safety."

If your property was affected: the municipality has asked residents whose properties were affected to submit their details to the local authority.

Sources: Pindula News, "BIMCO magazine explosion damages at least 150 houses in Redcliff", 13 Oct 2026: https://news.pindula.co.zw/2026/10/13/bimco-magazine-explosion-damages-at-least-150-houses-in-redcliff/ · iHarare, "Redcliff Explosion: Number Of Affected Houses Jumps From 70 To 150", 13 Oct 2026: https://iharare.com/redcliff-explosion-number-of-affected-houses-jumps-from-70-to-150/ · The Herald, "Redcliff blast kills guard, damages 80 properties", 13 Oct 2026: https://www.heraldonline.co.zw/redcliff-blast-kills-guard-damages-80-properties/ · The Herald, "Redcliff blast damages more than 80 properties, guard dies", 11 Oct 2026: https://www.heraldonline.co.zw/redcliff-blast-damages-more-than-80-properties-guard-dies/ · My Zimbabwe News, "Midnight theft goes wrong…", 13 Oct 2026: https://www.myzimbabwe.co.zw/news/191405-midnight-theft-goes-wrong-security-guards-hands-tied-behind-his-back-and-bombed-to-death.html