Zimbabwe businessman Wicknell Chivayo killed in helicopter crash

High-profile Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo, his wife Lucy Muteke, and four others died when their private helicopter crashed in a rural area east of Harare on Wednesday. The group had departed from Gandami, a rural area where Chivayo grew up, and the helicopter crashed approximately 40 minutes later at Kudenga Farm near Marondera. There were no survivors. Early indications suggest the helicopter's tail hit the ground first, leading to a fire. Chivayo, in his 40s, was the founder of Intratrek Zimbabwe and involved in energy projects, including a solar project in Eswatini. Forensic experts and investigators are examining the crash site.

Prominent Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo and his wife, Lucy Muteke, were among six people killed in a helicopter crash in the Marondera rural area on Wednesday evening. The aircraft, which had six occupants including two pilots, went down approximately 40 minutes after taking off from Gandami. Chivayo was known for his lavish lifestyle, connections to African presidents, and lucrative government contracts, which had previously drawn scrutiny. His family confirmed the deaths, expressing devastation. Police are investigating the incident, which occurred around 17:00 local time.