Prominent businessman Wicknell Chivayo and his wife, Lucy “Lulu” Muteke, were among six people killed when a helicopter crashed in Marondera Rural, Mashonaland East Province, on Wednesday evening.
The aircraft crashed at around 5pm at a farm near Waddilove Mission, with Government confirming that there were no survivors. Police said six people were on board and that formal identification of the victims was still under way.
Chivayo’s family later confirmed his death, with family spokesperson Herbert Chivayo also confirming that his wife had perished in the tragedy.
“Yes, we confirm that Wicknell Chivayo and his wife have perished in this tragedy,” he said.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the crash, saying the aircraft had six occupants.
“The ZRP confirms a plane crash in Marondera Rural area at 5pm this evening (last night). The aircraft had six occupants. More details will be released in due course as the scene is currently being attended,” he said.
Commissioner Nyathi said it was premature to release the identities of the other victims as their next of kin had not yet been formally notified.
Permanent Secretary for Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Mr Nick Mangwana also confirmed the fatal accident.
“The Government wishes to confirm that a helicopter crash has occurred, involving one high-profile businessman, four passengers, and two pilots.
“Current information indicates that there were no survivors in this crash. The Zimbabwe Republic Police will confirm the names of the victims in due course,” he said.
The initial official accounts contained some discrepancies over the number of passengers, but police confirmed that six people were aboard the aircraft.
Emergency services attended the crash site as investigations got underway. The cause of the accident had not been established by last night.
Chivayo, who was widely known for his business activities and high-profile public presence, married Muteke in a high-profile ceremony last year.
