Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo and his wife Lucy Muteke were among six people killed when a helicopter crashed near Marondera….reports Africa Daily News Desk
Prominent Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo and his wife, Lucy Muteke, have died in a helicopter crash that killed all six people on board, according to his family.
The helicopter crashed in the rural Marondera area, about 70km (43 miles) east of Zimbabwe’s capital, Harare, on Wednesday evening. Police said there were no survivors.
Family spokesperson Herbert Chivayo confirmed the deaths of the 43-year-old businessman and his wife to Zimbabwe’s state broadcaster ZBC, describing the family as devastated by the tragedy.
The BBC also reported the deaths, citing the family’s confirmation to ZBC. The broadcaster said Chivayo was known for his lavish lifestyle, political connections and lucrative government contracts, which had attracted scrutiny. Chivayo had previously denied allegations of wrongdoing related to his business dealings.
Six people on board
Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the helicopter crashed at about 17:00 local time (15:00 GMT) with six people on board. Two of those aboard were pilots, according to government officials.
Government spokesman Nick Mangwana confirmed the crash on social media, saying the aircraft was carrying “a prominent businessman, three other passengers and two pilots”.
“Current information indicates that there were no survivors in this crash,” Mangwana said.
ZBC reported that Chivayo and his wife had been travelling from Gandami in Chikomba, where they were building a rural home. The helicopter crashed at Kudenga Farm about 40 minutes after take-off.
“We are at a loss for words after the tragic news,” Herbert Chivayo told the broadcaster.
Investigation into crash begins
The cause of the crash has not yet been established, with police and aviation authorities investigating the incident.
Emergency services were sent to the crash site on Wednesday evening. On Thursday, aviation officials led by Transport Minister Felix Mhona visited the site as investigators began examining the wreckage.
The aircraft’s black box was recovered and is expected to form part of the investigation into what happened before the crash.
George Mashababe, director general of the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe, said preliminary findings indicated that fuel had spilled when the helicopter struck the ground, triggering a fire that burnt surrounding grass.
“The cause of the crash is yet to be ascertained,” Mashababe said.
Recovery of victims
Bodies and body parts remained at the crash site on Thursday morning as the family awaited forensic specialists.
State media reported that the family had requested that the remains be handled separately in accordance with cultural practices. The remains were later removed from the scene.
Chivayo had built a high-profile public profile in Zimbabwe through his business activities and conspicuous lifestyle. His dealings, including government contracts, had previously attracted public and media scrutiny, although he denied wrongdoing.
The investigation will now focus on establishing the circumstances surrounding the crash, including the helicopter’s condition, flight path and events leading up to the impact.
