Zim GBC News Network
The Zimbabwean global demining community is in mourning following the tragic death of explosives expert Henry Martin Douglas Macharaga (52) in an accident in Argentina.
The incident occurred on August 19 while Macharaga was working on the side of National Route 34 (RN34) in the town of Mosconi, Salta Province.
According to preliminary reports, an explosive device he was handling accidentally detonated.
Macharaga was a contractor with The Development Initiative (TDI), an international risk mitigation company. He was part of a team working on an explosives extraction project in the region.
In a statement, a spokesperson for TDI expressed deep sorrow:
“We are devastated by the loss of our colleague, Henry Macharaga. He was a highly skilled and valued member of our team. Our deepest condolences and full support are with his family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. A full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident is underway.”
The scene was immediately secured, and investigations are being conducted by Argentine Forensic Science and Legal Medicine personnel, with assistance from the Tartagal Firefighters and explosives experts from the Provincial Police Fire Division.
Macharaga, originally from Chirumanzu in the Midlands province, grew up in Kwekwe where his father was a well-known headmaster. He also lived in Harare and is survived by his wife and two children.
Arrangements for the repatriation of his body to Zimbabwe for burial are currently underway. Given the nature of his death, the family is expected to claim compensation for funeral expenses and loss of financial support.
A family representative shared their grief:
“We are heartbroken. Henry was a dedicated professional and a pillar of our family. We are focused on bringing him home and navigating this profound loss. We ask for privacy as we mourn.”
TDI has a significant global footprint, having completed over 80 projects in countries across Africa and the Middle East, including the Central African Republic, South Sudan, and Iran.
ZimGBCNews | Global News From An African Perspective©2025