Six Reported Dead After Helicopter Crash East of Harare

A helicopter crash in Zimbabwe’s Marondera rural area has reportedly killed six people, including businessman Wicknell Chivayo and his wife, Lucy Muteke.

Police said the crash occurred at about 1500 GMT in the Marondera area, approximately 72 kilometres east of Harare. The helicopter had left the Chivayo family home in Gandami, about 144 kilometres from the capital.

ZBC reported that six people died. Government spokesman Nick Mangwana said the aircraft was carrying one high-profile businessman, three other passengers and two pilots. He added that current information indicated there were no survivors.

“The government wishes to confirm that a helicopter crash has occurred, involving one high-profile businessman, three other passengers, and two pilots,” Mangwana said in a post on X. “Current information indicates that there were no survivors in this crash.”

Herbert Chivayo, a family spokesperson, confirmed to ZBC that Wicknell Chivayo and Lucy Muteke were among the victims. He said the helicopter caught fire when it crashed.

“When it crashed, it burst into flames,” Herbert Chivayo said.

His account identified five people aboard: the two pilots, Chivayo’s security aide, Muteke and Chivayo. That differs from the six occupants confirmed by police. Police had not immediately released the identities of all those involved, and the names of the pilots, security aide and other passengers were not provided.

Business and political connections

Chivayo, 43, was described as a prominent businessman with close ties to Zimbabwe’s ruling ZANU-PF party. He was known for displays of wealth and high-profile giveaways on social media, according to the source report.

His company, Intratrek Zimbabwe, won a government contract in 2015 worth more than $170 million to construct a 100-megawatt solar plant in Gwanda, in southwestern Zimbabwe. The Supreme Court ruled in 2023 that the contract was valid after the state-run power utility sought to terminate the deal.

The government ordered the solar project to proceed last month. Chivayo was also reported to have donated luxury vehicles and cash to religious figures and churches.

The cause of the helicopter crash was not stated. Mangwana said police would confirm the victims’ identities in due course.