Govt Confirms High-Profile Businessman Among Dead Following Marondera Helicopter Crash

The Government has confirmed that there were no survivors after a helicopter crash near Marondera on Wednesday, 30 September 2026, with a high-profile businessman, four passengers and two pilots believed to have been on board.

The announcement came after reports of the crash triggered a rush of emergency vehicles towards Marondera and speculation over the identity of those involved.

Govt Confirms Marondera Helicopter Crash Was Fatal

Government spokesperson Nick Mangwana confirmed the crash on Wednesday evening, saying authorities had established that everyone on board had died.

In a statement, Mangwana said:

“The Government wishes to confirm that a helicopter crash has occurred, involving one high-profile businessman, four passengers, and two pilots.”

He then confirmed the grim outcome of the crash.

“Current information indicates that there were no survivors in this crash.”

Mangwana said the identities of those killed had not yet been released, with the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) expected to provide that information.

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police will confirm the names of the victims in due course.”

The Government spokesperson also extended condolences to those affected by the tragedy.

“We extend our deepest condolences and prayers to the victims, their families, and their friends during this difficult time.”

The Government has not publicly named the high-profile businessman.

ZRP Initially Reported Six People On Board

The ZRP had earlier confirmed that an aircraft crashed in the Marondera Rural area at approximately 5pm on Wednesday.

In its initial statement, police said:

“The ZRP confirms a plane crash in Marondera Rural area at 1700 hours, this evening. The aircraft had 6 occupants. More details will be released in due course as the scene is currently being attended.”

The initial police statement therefore gave the number of occupants as six.

The subsequent Government statement described the people on board as one high-profile businessman, four passengers and two pilots. That adds up to seven people.

Authorities had not explained the difference between the two figures in the information available at the time of publication.

The ZRP also did not initially identify the aircraft, the occupants or what caused the crash.

What Happened To Wicknell Chivayo?

The name of businessman Wicknell Chivayo began circulating after ZimLive reported that a helicopter believed to have been carrying him had gone down near Marondera.

At the time, however, the publication reported that Chivayo’s condition was unknown.

That distinction is important. The Government has confirmed that a high-profile businessman was among those killed, but it has not named that businessman as Wicknell Chivayo.

Therefore, Chivayo’s reported presence on the helicopter remains unconfirmed by authorities.

The ZRP is expected to release the names of the victims, which should establish whether Chivayo was among those killed.

The Marondera crash has now been officially confirmed as a fatal incident, with the Government saying there were no survivors.

However, several important details remain outstanding, including the identities of the victims and the apparent discrepancy over the number of people aboard the aircraft.

The reports linking Chivayo to the helicopter should also remain separate from the official confirmation until authorities identify the victims.

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