Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo and his wife, Lucy “Lulu” Muteke, are reported to have been killed after a helicopter crashed in Marondera Rural, east of Harare, on Wednesday evening.
The Zimbabwean government confirmed that the crash was fatal and that there were no survivors.
Government spokesperson Nick Mangwana said the aircraft was carrying a high-profile businessman, other passengers and two pilots when it crashed at about 5pm local time.
“The Government wishes to confirm that a helicopter crash has occurred,” Mangwana said in a statement, adding that initial information indicated that there were no survivors.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) separately confirmed that an aircraft had crashed in the Marondera Rural area at around 1700 hours.
The police said investigations and identification of the victims were underway, with the names expected to be formally confirmed by authorities.
Initial reports linked Chivayo and his wife to the aircraft, although the police had not immediately released the identities of all those who died.
Reuters reported that seven people were aboard the helicopter, including a high-profile businessman, four other passengers and two pilots.
Emergency teams were dispatched to the crash site following the incident, while authorities are expected to investigate the circumstances and cause of the crash.
Chivayo, a prominent Zimbabwean businessman, was known for his lavish lifestyle, high-profile charitable donations and close links to influential figures in Zimbabwe.
He had been active on social media in the days leading up to the crash, including making several high-value donations.
News of the crash sparked widespread reaction in Zimbabwe as details of the victims and circumstances surrounding the accident emerged.
Authorities have yet to release a preliminary explanation of what caused the helicopter to crash.
He has also been involved in several deals in Kenya and was a close friend to president William Ruto. The news of the crash spread fast in Kenya.
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