Mnangagwa shuns flight, makes 520km Mutare round trip after Chivayo crash

President Emmerson Mnangagwa capping students during the 5th graduation ceremony of Manicaland State University of Applied Sciences (MSUAS) at its Fernhill Campus outside Mutare on October 2, 2026

HARARE – President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Friday travelled by road to Mutare shunning air travel two days after his “friend”, businessman Wicknell Chivayo, died in a helicopter crash.

Mnangagwa, who was guest of honour at a Manicaland State University graduation ceremony, travelled the 260km journey in his motorcade.

The president usually uses a helicopter or plane for long-distance trips.

Confirming Mnangagwa’s decision to travel by road, presidential spokesman George Charamba said: “The murky weather continues to pose challenges to air travel using anything but fixed-wing craft.”

Chivayo, the millionaire tender tycoon, died alongside his wife, two pilots and a security aide when their helicopter crashed at a farm near Marondera on Wednesday.

Witnesses said the area was enveloped in clouds and mist at the time, creating poor visibility. Air crash investigators have yet to release their findings.

On his return from Mutare, Mnangagwa’s motorcade travelled directly to Chivayo’s Gletwin home, where hundreds of mourners had gathered, and he paid his condolences to the family.

“This is God’s doing and his will. I’m hurt. I’m the president, but he was my friend,” Mnangagwa told mourners before declaring Chivayo a provincial hero, which opens the way for the state to carry the costs of his funeral.