By Chris Takudzwa Muronzi and Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Caption: Kenya President William Ruto (Left), Businessman Wicknell Chivayo (Middle) and Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnagwagwa.
A helicopter carrying six people crashed in Zimbabwe’s Marondera rural area, East of Harare, on Wednesday, killing all on board, government spokesperson Nick Mangwana said on X.
Marondera Rural area is about 70 kilometres East of Harare.
Mangwana said the helicopter was carrying a high-profile businessman, three passengers and two pilots. He had earlier said it was carrying four passengers but later edited his post on X.
Police spokesperson Paul Nyathi said that the bodies were badly burned and authorities needed to formally identify the victims.
He said the police would confirm the identities of the victims in due course. Local online media service ZimLive reported that businessman Wicknell Chivayo was among those on board.
Chivayo’s family spokesperson, Herbert Chivayo, confirmed to ZBC News that the businessman and his wife, Lucy Muteke, were among those killed in the crash.
“We are at a loss for words after the tragic incident,” Herbert Chivayo said.
Authorities are continuing investigations into the crash. Further details on the circumstances of the accident and the identities of the other victims are expected as the investigation progresses.
In June, Chivayo received Eswatini citizenship and a diplomatic passport from King Mswati III, after which he announced a proposed 300-megawatt solar project in the kingdom.
Chivayo also maintained a high public profile through his social media accounts, where he regularly documented his business activities, philanthropy and luxury purchases.