CONFIRMED: Wicknell Chivayo and wife killed in helicopter crash

Zimbabwean businessman Sir Wicknell Chivayo and his wife have been confirmed dead after a helicopter crashed in Marondera, Mashonaland East, at around 5pm on Wednesday.

A family member confirmed the deaths to the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC), following the fatal helicopter crash that claimed six lives.

The incident occurred on Wednesday evening.

Popular Zimbabwean journalist Hopewell Chin’ono had also claimed on X that Chivayo and his wife were among those who died in the crash on Wednesday.

“Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo and his wife were killed today in a helicopter crash near Marondera, east of Harare,” Chin’ono posted.

However, the identities of the victims have not yet been officially released by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP).

Six people die in Marondera crash

Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Permanent Secretary Nick Mangwana confirmed that a helicopter crash had occurred in Marondera, Mashonaland East, with six people on board.

Mangwana said there were no survivors but did not identify the victims.

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

“Current information indicates that there were no survivors in this crash. The Zimbabwe Republic Police will confirm the names of the victims in due course.”

What happened in the Zimbabwe helicopter crash?

The ZRP said the crash occurred at around 5pm on Wednesday in the Marondera Rural area.

Police confirmed that the aircraft had six occupants and said officers and other relevant authorities were attending the scene.

“The ZRP confirms a plane crash in Marondera Rural area at 1700 hours, this evening. The aircraft had six occupants,” police said.

The police said further details would be released once more information had been gathered.

Authorities are expected to officially identify the victims once their procedures have been completed.