Zimbabwean businessman Sir Wicknell Chivayo and his wife have reportedly died in a helicopter crash in Marondera, Mashonaland East, in a tragedy that claimed six lives.
A family member confirmed the deaths to the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC), while prominent Zimbabwean journalist Hopewell Chin’ono also reported that the businessman and his wife were among those killed.
The crash occurred at approximately 5pm on Wednesday in the Marondera area, east of Harare.
Government Confirms Fatal Helicopter Crash
Zimbabwean authorities had earlier confirmed that a helicopter carrying six people crashed in Marondera, with no survivors reported.
Nick Mangwana, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, said the aircraft was carrying a high-profile businessman, four passengers and two pilots.
He said preliminary information indicated that everyone aboard the helicopter had died.
However, authorities had not initially released the names of those killed.
Police Yet to Officially Name Victims
Despite reports identifying Chivayo and his wife among the victims, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) had not officially released the identities of those who died at the time of the latest confirmation.
Mangwana said the police would announce the names after completing the necessary procedures.
The distinction between the family confirmation and the official police position means the identities remain subject to formal confirmation by authorities.
Journalist Reports Chivayo’s Death
Chin’ono reported on X that Chivayo and his wife were killed in the helicopter crash near Marondera.
His report came shortly after the incident and added to growing speculation about the identities of those aboard the aircraft.
Chivayo was a well-known Zimbabwean businessman whose public profile had made news of his reported death particularly significant.
Six People Were on Board
The ZRP confirmed that six occupants were aboard the helicopter when it crashed in the Marondera Rural area at about 5pm.
Police and other relevant authorities were dispatched to the crash site following the incident.
Investigators are expected to establish what caused the aircraft to go down and document the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
Investigation Underway
Authorities have yet to provide details about what happened immediately before the helicopter crashed or whether any technical, weather-related or other factors contributed to the incident.
Police said additional information would be released as it becomes available.
The formal identification of the victims is also expected to follow once the relevant procedures have been completed.
Condolences Follow Fatal Crash
The deaths have sparked widespread reaction in Zimbabwe, particularly following reports that Chivayo and his wife were among those killed.
With six people confirmed dead, attention will now turn to the official investigation and the release of the victims’ identities by the Zimbabwean authorities.
Further details are expected as police and other agencies continue their work at the crash scene.
