The United Arab Emirates has expressed its solidarity with Zimbabwe following a helicopter crash that claimed the lives of five people, including prominent businessman Wicknell Chivayo and his wife. The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a formal statement offering condolences to the families of the victims, the government of Zimbabwe, and its people. The statement was released as Zimbabwe and the international community mourned the loss of Chivayo, known for his lavish lifestyle and high-profile friendships.
Wicknell Chivayo, his wife Lucy Muteke, two pilots, and a security aide died on September 30, 2026, when their helicopter crashed at Kudenga Farm in Marondera, Mashonaland, in northeastern Zimbabwe. The aircraft came down roughly 40 minutes into the flight, which had taken off from Gandami in Chikomba District, where Chivayo and his wife were overseeing the construction of their rural mansion. The wreckage was scattered across the crash site, and the helicopter reportedly moved several meters from its initial point of impact.
Several African heads of state paid tribute to Chivayo in the days following the crash. Kenya's President William Ruto, who had hosted Chivayo on multiple occasions at State House in Nairobi, described him as a personal friend. Ruto expressed grief over the loss of Chivayo, his wife, and those who died alongside them, highlighting Chivayo's warmth, energy, and belief in Africa's potential. Ruto was among the leaders who publicly mourned the Zimbabwean businessman.
Zimbabwe's President Emmerson Mnangagwa, a close associate of Chivayo, also publicly mourned the loss. Despite their age difference, Mnangagwa described Chivayo as a personal friend and said the loss was felt both personally and by the ruling ZANU-PF party. He called on the family to mourn with hope. Mnangagwa's tribute underscored the close relationship between the two.
Tanzania's President Samia Suluhu Hassan added her voice to the tributes, describing Chivayo as a young and forward-thinking entrepreneur whose work touched many lives. She noted that Zimbabwe and Africa had lost a visionary entrepreneur who had made an impact on many people. Hassan's statement reflected the sentiments of many who knew Chivayo.
The bodies of Chivayo and his wife will be laid to rest at the businessman's home in Glen Forest on October 8, 2026. A convoy of black cars was spotted at the funeral ceremony, drawing attention to the high-profile nature of the event. The burial marked the end of an era for Chivayo, who had become a household name in Zimbabwe and beyond.
The crash that claimed Chivayo's life has sent shockwaves across the continent, with many leaders and businesspeople paying tribute to his memory. As Zimbabwe and the international community continue to mourn, the UAE's statement of solidarity serves as a testament to Chivayo's impact on the global stage. The incident has also raised questions about aviation safety in the region.
Key points
- UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses solidarity with Zimbabwe over Wicknell Chivayo's death
- African leaders pay tribute to Wicknell Chivayo after helicopter crash
- Wicknell Chivayo and his wife to be laid to rest in Glen Forest on October 8, 2026
