Zimbabwe tycoon Chivayo dies in helicopter crash

Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo and his wife, Lucy Muteke, have died in a helicopter crash in the Marondera rural area, east of Harare, state broadcaster ZBC reported, citing a family spokesperson.

The crash occurred on Wednesday at around 1700 local time (1500 GMT), killing all six people on board, government spokesperson Nick Mangwana said on X.

Police spokesperson Paul Nyathi said the bodies were badly burned and authorities would need to formally identify the victims. Emergency services attended the scene.

A family spokesman told ZBC they were at a loss for words after learning of the crash.

Chivayo was a prominent and controversial figure in Zimbabwe, known for his public displays of wealth and his connections with political leaders across the continent. He was pictured with President Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe, President William Ruto of Kenya, President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania and President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda.

His flashy lifestyle included frequent private-jet travel, shopping at high-end stores, and gifting people expensive presents, including cars and houses. He lived in an upmarket neighbourhood in Harare.

His business dealings had previously drawn scrutiny in Zimbabwe, where he was awarded several lucrative government contracts.

The cause of the crash is under investigation. The Zimbabwe Civil Aviation Authority has not yet commented on the incident.

SOURCE: ZBC