A helicopter crash in Eastern Zimbabwe has claimed the lives of six people, including prominent Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo and his wife Lucy Muteke. The incident occurred on September 30, 2026, at around 5 pm in Marondera, a rural area in Eastern Zimbabwe. According to reports, the helicopter had six occupants, comprising Chivayo, his wife, three other passengers, and two pilots. The Zimbabwean government has confirmed the fatal crash.
The Zimbabwean government has released a statement confirming the crash, expressing condolences to the victims' families and friends. The statement, issued by Nick Mangwana, the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Information, Publicity, and Broadcasting Services, revealed that there were no survivors in the crash. Authorities have indicated that the full list of victims' names would be released by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) in due course, pending formal identification and notification of next of kin.
Wicknell Chivayo was a well-known figure in Zimbabwe, recognized for his high-profile lifestyle and ties to government contracts. His death, if confirmed, would be a significant loss for the business community in Zimbabwe. Chivayo's prominence and influence had made him a notable figure in the country, with many awaiting official confirmation of his passing.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) confirmed the crash, stating that the aircraft went down in a rural area of Marondera at approximately 1700 hours. The police also revealed that the helicopter had six occupants, including Chivayo and his wife. Authorities are working to establish the cause of the crash, with an investigation expected to be launched.
The incident has sent shockwaves through Zimbabwe's business community, with many expressing their condolences to Chivayo's family and loved ones. As a prominent businessman, Chivayo had built a reputation for his entrepreneurial ventures and high-profile lifestyle. His passing, if confirmed, would be a significant loss for the country's business sector.
The government has extended its condolences to all those affected by the tragedy, with Mangwana's statement expressing deepest sympathies to the victims, their families, and friends. The incident serves as a reminder of the risks associated with air travel and the importance of ensuring the safety of passengers and crew.
Authorities will conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash, with the Zimbabwean government and ZRP working together to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident. The probe will aim to determine the cause of the crash and provide closure to the families of the victims.
Key points
- Wicknell Chivayo, a prominent Zimbabwean businessman, and his wife Lucy Muteke are feared dead in a helicopter crash in Eastern Zimbabwe.
- The helicopter crash claimed the lives of six people, including Chivayo, his wife, three other passengers, and two pilots.
- The Zimbabwean government has confirmed the fatal crash and extended condolences to the victims' families and friends.
