Zimbabwe is in mourning after a helicopter crash in Marondera Rural claimed six lives, including flamboyant businessman Wicknell Chivayo and his wife Lucy “Lulu” Muteke.
The aircraft went down around 5:00 pm on Wednesday, September 30, about 70 kilometres east of Harare.
Government spokesperson Nick Mangwana confirmed the tragedy, saying the helicopter was carrying a high profile businessman, passengers and two pilots.
“Current information indicates that there were no survivors in this crash,” Mangwana said, adding that the Zimbabwe Republic Police will confirm identities in due course.
The ZRP confirmed six occupants were on board and said bodies were badly burned, requiring formal identification.
While government’s official statement did not name Chivayo, outlets ZimLive, iHarare and The Herald reported he and his wife were among the dead.
Tributes have since poured in for the 43-year-old founder of Intratrek Zimbabwe, known for the Gwanda solar project and his close ties to political leaders.
Emergency teams rushed to the scene as ambulances were seen heading from Harare.
Authorities say investigations are underway to establish what caused the aircraft to go down, with more details expected once forensic work is complete.
