Zimbabwean businessman and millionaire tycoon Wicknell Chivayo was reportedly among six people killed when a helicopter crashed in Marondera, east of the capital Harare, on Wednesday evening.
Zimbabwean police confirmed the crash occurred in the Marondera Rural area at about 5 p.m., saying the aircraft had six occupants.
“The ZRP confirms a plane crash in Marondera Rural area at 1700 hours. The aircraft had 6 occupants,” police said.
Government spokesperson Nick Mangwana later confirmed that there were no survivors, saying a high-profile businessman, other passengers and two pilots were aboard the aircraft.
Authorities had not immediately released the names of those killed, saying police would provide the identities after notifying relatives.
Local reports subsequently identified Chivayo as one of the victims. His wife, Lucy Muteke, was also reported to have been aboard the helicopter.
The crash took place in Marondera, about 70 kilometres southeast of Harare, as the aircraft was travelling in the area. Emergency and security teams were dispatched to the scene, while authorities began investigating the cause of the accident.
Chivayo was one of Zimbabwe’s best-known businessmen and had built a high public profile through his business interests, lavish lifestyle and close links to prominent figures in the country.
His reported death comes as authorities have yet to publish the official list of victims.
The identities of those killed and the circumstances surrounding the crash are expected to be established as the police investigation continues.
