Zimbabwean Tycoon Wicknell Chivayo and Wife Killed in Helicopter Crash
Prominent Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo and his wife, Lucy Muteke, have been killed in a helicopter crash
Prominent Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo and his wife, Lucy Muteke, have been killed in a helicopter crash that claimed the lives of all six people on board, his family has confirmed.
The helicopter crashed in the Marondera rural area, about 70km (43 miles) east of Zimbabwe’s capital, Harare, on Wednesday evening.
Family spokesperson Herbert Chivayo confirmed the deaths of the 43-year-old businessman and his wife to state broadcaster ZBC, saying the family was devastated by the tragedy.
Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the aircraft crashed at around 17:00 local time (15:00 GMT) and was carrying six people. Two of those on board were pilots, according to government officials.
ZBC reported that the group had been travelling from Gandami in Chikomba, where Chivayo and his wife were building a rural home. The helicopter crashed at Kudenga Farm about 40 minutes after take-off.
Chivayo was a well-known figure in Zimbabwean business circles, particularly for his lavish lifestyle, close relationships with several African political leaders and lucrative government contracts. His business dealings had attracted scrutiny over the years, although he denied allegations of wrongdoing.
Reacting to the tragedy, Herbert Chivayo said the family was struggling to come to terms with the loss.
“We are at a loss for words after the tragic news,” he told ZBC.