Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo, close to ruling elite, killed in helicopter crash - TimesLIVE

Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo and his wife were among those killed on Wednesday in a helicopter crash, according to Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Mnangagwa said in a statement on X that he was “in deep shock and grief”.

Chivayo cultivated close ties with Mnangagwa and other African leaders while flaunting luxury cars, designer clothing and lavish gifts on social media.

A government spokesperson said on Wednesday that a helicopter carrying six people had crashed in the Marondera rural area, killing everyone on board including a high-profile businessman.

Police said earlier on Thursday that they were awaiting DNA tests before confirming the identities of the victims.