Zimbabwe helicopter crash kills six; businessman Wicknell Chivayo among victims, official say

A helicopter carrying six people crashed in a rural area of Zimbabwe on Wednesday, with officials saying there appeared to be no survivors.

Among those killed was prominent businessman Wicknell Chivayo and his wife, Lucy Muteke, according to state media. Chivayo was known to be a close ally of Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

The helicopter crashed in Marondera district, southeast of the capital Harare, police said.

Government spokesperson Nick Mangwana said four passengers, including a high-profile businessman, and two crew members were aboard the helicopter. “Current information indicates that there were no survivors in this crash,” he said in a post on X.

Police and Mangwana did not immediately disclose the identities of those on board. Police said further details would be provided later.

Police spokesperson Paul Nyathi said authorities were working to establish the identities of those killed.

“They were burned, there was a fire, and we will be trying to identify the people,” Nyathi said. “As we speak, responders are at the site, and we will then be able to give more updates.”

ZBC News, citing a family spokesperson, reported that Chivayo and his wife were among those killed in the crash.

Chivayo, 43, was a prominent businessman in Zimbabwe and was known for his close links with Mnangagwa and the ruling political establishment.

He frequently posted on social media about private dinners and meetings with regional leaders, including South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Kenyan President William Ruto, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan and Eswatini's King Mswati III.

Chivayo was also known for giving expensive vehicles and cash to celebrities, church leaders, politicians and followers. He sometimes gave gifts to social media users who praised his posts or Mnangagwa.

His business activities and political connections had attracted scrutiny and allegations related to public procurement and election financing in Zimbabwe and neighbouring countries. Chivayo denied those allegations.  (with inputs from PTI)