Remembering the Tragedy of Air Rhodesia Flight RH825

The Dark Anniversary of a Civilian Tragedy

Sunday, 3rd September 2025 marked the 47th anniversary of one of the darkest moments of the Rhodesian Bush War — the shooting down of Air Rhodesia Flight RH825, a civilian Viscount aircraft, by ZIPRA guerrillas.

Wars are, by their very nature, cruel and inhuman. Innocent people are caught in the crossfire, and suffering is widespread. However, there are moments in history when acts of violence cross a line so shocking that they demand unambiguous condemnation from the world. The destruction of Flight RH825, a civilian aircraft, was such an event.

The Aftermath of the Attack

The tragedy did not end with the missile strike that brought the plane down. Of the 56 people on board, 18 initially survived the crash. Yet, 10 of these men, women, and children were subsequently shot or bayoneted to death at the crash site by the same group of guerrillas — or by a sister band allied with them. This was a crime of deliberate and calculated evil.

History teaches us a sobering lesson here. When atrocities are met with silence, the perpetrators are emboldened. Without loud and global condemnation, those who commit such acts conclude that the world’s attention will quickly shift to newer events, leaving their crimes forgotten. This silence, whether deliberate or through indifference, becomes complicity.

The Role of External Forces

The hand behind the violence must also be remembered. As with so many proxy wars of the Cold War era, Moscow was the puppet master. The missile used was a Soviet-supplied surface-to-air missile (SAM), and ZAPU guerrillas had been trained by Russian operatives in how to fire it. We do not know if Soviet personnel were present at the launch site, but the hand of Moscow was undeniable. Just as in 1978, we see the same disregard for human life and the rules-based order playing out today — in Ukraine, where Russia once again pursues its goals through terror and violence.

Lessons from the Past

The lesson is clear. Appeasement of such regimes and their leaders does not bring peace; it only invites further and greater aggression. To preserve the values of a just and rules-based world, the international community must remain vigilant, outspoken, and unyielding in the face of atrocities.

This incident is also remembered in my book The Unravelling, which explores the complexities and tragedies of that era. I have also produced a video tribute, Deafening Silence, which you can view here: Deafening Silence.

Honouring the Victims

On this anniversary, may we honour the memory of those who perished on Air Rhodesia Flight RH825. And may we never allow their story to be forgotten.

Soviet-supplied weapon held by a nationalist guerrilla during the 1970s conflict in Rhodesia.

The Importance of Remembrance

Remembering such tragedies is crucial. It serves as a reminder of the human cost of war. Each name on that passenger list represents a life cut short. We must ensure that their stories are told and their memories cherished.

The Impact of Silence

Silence in the face of such atrocities can lead to a dangerous precedent. It can embolden those who commit violence, leading to further acts of aggression. The international community must speak out against these injustices. Only then can we hope to prevent future tragedies.

A Call to Action

As we reflect on the events surrounding Air Rhodesia Flight RH825, let us commit to being vigilant. We must advocate for justice and hold accountable those responsible for such heinous acts. It is our duty to ensure that history does not repeat itself.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the tragedy of Air Rhodesia Flight RH825 serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of violence and the importance of remembrance. Let us honour the victims and strive for a world where such atrocities are no longer tolerated.