Zimbabwe probes helicopter crash that killed businessman Wicknell Chivayo
Zimbabwean authorities are investigating a helicopter crash in Zimbabwe that killed prominent businessman Wicknell Chivayo and five other people east of Harare.
The helicopter crashed in the rural Marondera area on Wednesday, according to police. The location is about 72 kilometres east of the capital.
State broadcaster ZBC reported that Chivayo and his wife, Lucy Muteke, were among those killed.
Africanews, citing AFP and official statements, reported that authorities said there were no survivors.
Helicopter crash in Zimbabwe kills six
Police said the helicopter was carrying six people when it crashed.
Government spokesman Nick Mangwana said the passengers included a high-profile businessman, three other passengers and two pilots.
He said initial information indicated that nobody survived.
Police did not immediately confirm the identities of all those killed.
However, family spokesperson Herbert Chivayo confirmed to ZBC that Wicknell Chivayo and his wife were among the victims.
He said the helicopter had departed from the family home in Gandami before the crash.
Authorities investigate Zimbabwe helicopter crash
The circumstances surrounding the crash remain under investigation.
The source does not establish what caused the helicopter to go down.
According to the family spokesperson, the aircraft caught fire after crashing. Authorities have not announced an official cause.
Police are expected to release further information as the investigation continues.
Who was Wicknell Chivayo?
Chivayo, 43, was a prominent Zimbabwean businessman with close links to the ruling ZANU-PF party.
He became widely known for displaying his wealth on social media. He also made several high-profile donations involving vehicles and cash.
His company, Intratrek Zimbabwe, has worked on energy projects in the country.
In 2015, the company secured a government contract worth more than $170 million to build a 100-megawatt solar power plant in Gwanda.
The project later became the subject of a legal dispute after Zimbabwe’s state power utility sought to end the agreement because of delays.
The Supreme Court ruled in 2023 that the contract remained valid. According to the source, the government ordered last month that the project should proceed.