Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo and his wife, Lucy Muteke, were among six people killed when a helicopter crashed in the Marondera Rural area, southeast of Harare, on Wednesday evening.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirmed that the aircraft crashed at about 5 p.m. local time in Marondera, in Mashonaland East province. Police initially said six people were aboard and that emergency teams were responding at the scene.
Government spokesperson Nick Mangwana later confirmed that there were no survivors. He said the helicopter was carrying a high profile businessman, other passengers and two pilots, while noting that police would formally confirm the identities of the victims.
Chivayo’s family subsequently confirmed his death and that of his wife. Family spokesperson Herbert Chivayo told Zimbabwe’s state broadcaster, ZBC, that the family was devastated by the tragedy.
The crash caused a fire and left the victims requiring formal identification. Police spokesperson Paul Nyathi said authorities were working to establish the identities of those aboard as emergency responders attended the scene.
Chivayo, who was in his 40s, was one of Zimbabwe’s most prominent businessmen and was known for his close relationship with President Emmerson Mnangagwa and other political and business figures across the region. He frequently posted photographs of meetings with African political leaders and was known for high profile donations and displays of wealth.
His business activities had also attracted public scrutiny. Chivayo was associated with major infrastructure and energy projects in Zimbabwe, while some of his government linked contracts and political relationships had generated allegations and controversy. He denied wrongdoing.
The circumstances that led to the crash remain unclear. Authorities have not announced a cause, and investigations are expected to examine the aircraft, flight operations and other factors surrounding the accident.
The deaths have drawn widespread attention in Zimbabwe, given Chivayo’s prominent public profile and his relationships with senior figures in Zimbabwe and other African countries.
For now, authorities are focused on identifying the victims and investigating the crash. Further details about the aircraft, its flight path and the circumstances immediately preceding the accident are expected as the investigation progresses.
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