President William Ruto has mourned Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo and his wife, Lucy Muteke, following a helicopter crash that killed six people in Zimbabwe.
Chivayo and Muteke were among those killed when the helicopter crashed in the Marondera Rural area, southeast of Harare, on Wednesday evening. Zimbabwean authorities said there were no survivors. The victims’ identities were being formally established, while Chivayo’s family later confirmed that he and his wife were among those who died.
In a condolence message, Ruto described Chivayo as a close friend and said his death was a painful loss to his family, friends and others who knew him.
“Wicknell was a dear friend whose warmth touched many people. I will remember him for his friendship, his energy and his deep conviction in the possibilities of our continent,” Ruto said.
The President also extended his condolences to the families of the other victims, Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa and the people of Zimbabwe.
“May God grant Wicknell, Lucy and all those who perished eternal rest,” Ruto said.
Zimbabwean police said the aircraft crashed at about 5pm local time on Wednesday. Emergency responders were dispatched to the scene, while police began efforts to identify the victims.
The cause of the crash has not been established, and investigations are expected to determine what led to the accident.
Chivayo, a prominent Zimbabwean businessman, was known for his involvement in energy and infrastructure projects and had maintained high-profile relationships with political leaders in the region.
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