A private helicopter carrying six occupants crashed in Marondera rural, Zimbabwe, on Wednesday evening, September 30. The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) confirmed the incident, with officers responding to the scene. The crash resulted in the deaths of all on board, including prominent Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo and his wife Lucy Muteke.
Family spokesperson Herbert Chivayo confirmed the deaths, stating that the family was struggling to come to terms with the tragic accident. According to Herbert, the family was at a loss of words following the incident. The news of Wicknell Chivayo's death sent shockwaves through Zimbabwe's business and social circles, given his high-profile lifestyle and close ties to influential figures.
Zimbabwe Republic Police Spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed that the helicopter had six occupants on board at the time of the incident. However, no further details on the identities or conditions of the other passengers were immediately available. The police did not release additional information regarding the cause of the crash or the circumstances surrounding the flight.
Wicknell Chivayo was one of Zimbabwe's most recognizable and controversial business figures, known for his high-profile lifestyle and close ties to influential political and social circles in the country. His relationship with Kenyan President William Ruto was particularly notable, with the two having been spotted together on several occasions.
The crash site was located in Marondera rural, a district in Mashonaland East Province. The Zimbabwe Republic Police did not conduct an immediate investigation into the cause of the crash. Authorities typically investigate such incidents to determine the cause and prevent future accidents.
Herbert Chivayo's statement to ZBC News was among the first official responses from those close to the businessman, confirming both Wicknell Chivayo and Lucy Muteke perished in the accident. The family and friends of the deceased were left to mourn their loss, with many paying tribute to Wicknell Chivayo's business acumen and social standing.
As news of the crash spread, tributes began pouring in for Wicknell Chivayo, with many acknowledging his significant contributions to Zimbabwe's business sector. His death, along with that of his wife, has left a void in the lives of those who knew them.
Key points
- Wicknell Chivayo, a prominent Zimbabwean businessman, died in a helicopter crash in Eastern Zimbabwe on September 30.
- The helicopter crash resulted in the deaths of all six occupants, including Wicknell Chivayo and his wife Lucy Muteke.
- The cause of the crash and circumstances surrounding the flight have not been publicly disclosed by authorities.
