Prominent Zimbabwe businessman dies in helicopter crash

HARARE – A high-profile businessman and his wife were among six people killed in a helicopter crash east of Zimbabwe’s capital Harare on Wednesday, state broadcaster ZBC reported.

Police said the crash occurred in the Marondera rural area, about 72km (45 miles) east of Harare, at around 1500 GMT.

Wicknell Chivayo, a tycoon close to the ruling ZANU-PF party known for his extravagant displays of wealth, and his wife Lucy Muteke were among the victims, family spokesperson Herbert Chivayo confirmed to ZBC.

The helicopter crashed after leaving the family home in Gandami, about 144 km (89 miles) from Harare.

“There were five people. There were two pilots, his security aide, the wife and Chivayo.”

Police confirmed in a short statement on X that the helicopter was carrying six occupants but could not immediately confirm the identities of the victims.

“The government wishes to confirm that a helicopter crash has occurred, involving one high-profile businessman, three other passengers, and two pilots,” government spokesman Nick Mangwana said in a post on X.