Zimbabwe businessman Wicknell Chivayo killed in helicopter crash

Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo and his wife, Lucy Muteke, were among six people killed when a helicopter crashed in the Marondera area east of Harare on Wednesday.

Police said the aircraft went down at about 3 p.m. local time, approximately 72 kilometres from Harare. The helicopter caught fire after the crash, and there were no survivors.

Victim identities being established

Chivayo’s family confirmed his death. Muteke was also identified among those killed, while the other four victims had not been publicly identified in the available information.

Authorities said they would establish the identities of all six people who died in the crash. The circumstances surrounding the flight and the identities of the remaining victims were still being examined.

Investigation under way

The cause of the crash had not been established. Investigations were under way as authorities worked to determine what happened before the helicopter went down and burst into flames.

Chivayo, 43, was a prominent Zimbabwean businessman known for his lavish lifestyle and close links to the ruling ZANU-PF party. His company had secured major government energy contracts, including a deal worth more than $170 million to build a solar plant in Gwanda.

The investigation is expected to clarify the cause of the crash and provide further details about the six people who were on board.