Zimbabwean businessman and billionaire Wicknell Chivayo and his wife, Lucy Muteke, were among six people killed when a helicopter crashed in the Marondera district of Zimbabwe on Wednesday.
The crash occurred in rural eastern Zimbabwe, with officials reporting that the aircraft was carrying six people.
Zimbabwean authorities said there were no survivors. Emergency responders were deployed to the crash site, where officials said the bodies were badly burned and required formal identification.
Six People Aboard
According to information released by Zimbabwean government officials, the helicopter had four passengers and two crew members on board.
Government spokesperson Nick Mangwana said initial information indicated that there were no survivors.
Police spokesperson Paul Nyathi confirmed the crash and said authorities were working to establish the identities of those who died.
Family sources subsequently confirmed that Chivayo and his wife were among the victims.
Chivayo’s Public Profile
Chivayo was a prominent Zimbabwean businessman known for his high-profile lifestyle and close relationships with political figures and other prominent personalities across the region.
He frequently documented his wealth, business activities and interactions with public figures on social media.
His business dealings and political connections had also attracted scrutiny and allegations concerning public procurement and election financing. Those allegations were disputed by Chivayo, according to reporting by the Associated Press.
Investigation Underway
Authorities are expected to establish the cause of the crash as investigations continue.
At the time of reporting, officials had not publicly established what caused the helicopter to go down.
The crash has drawn attention across Zimbabwe and the wider region following confirmation of the deaths of Chivayo, his wife and the other passengers.