Mnangagwa ditches chopper for 520km Mutare round trip after Chivayo crash

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

Mnangagwa, who was guest of honour at a graduation ceremony at Manicaland State University of Applied Sciences (MSUAS), made the 260km journey by motorcade – a departure from his usual practice of using a helicopter or fixed-wing aircraft for long-distance trips.

Presidential spokesman George Charamba confirmed the decision, saying: “The murky weather continues to pose challenges to air travel using anything but fixed-wing craft.”

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

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

On his return from Mutare, Mnangagwa drove directly to Chivayo’s Gletwin home in Harare, where hundreds of mourners had gathered.

“This is God’s doing and his will. I’m hurt. I’m the president, but he was my friend,” he told mourners.

ZANU PF conferred provincial hero status on Chivayo – a designation that means the state will meet the costs of his funeral.

More: ZimLive