Wicknell Chivayo: Zimbabwean businessman and wife killed in helicopter crash
Prominent Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo and his wife were among six people killed in a helicopter crash near Harare. Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the crash, which occurred shortly after takeoff.
Why it matters
The death of a high-profile figure with significant government ties is a major news event in Zimbabwe with potential political implications.
Image source, Wicknell Chivayo/Instagram Image caption, Wicknell Chivayo was a prominent businessman known for his extravagant lifestyle
Prominent Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo and his wife have been killed in a helicopter crash that left six people dead, his family have confirmed.
The helicopter came down in the Marondera rural area, about 70km (43 miles) east of the capital, Harare, on Wednesday evening. Police said all six people on board died.
Family spokesperson Herbert Chivayo confirmed the deaths of the 43-year-old businessman and his wife Lucy Muteke to state broadcaster ZBC, saying the family was devastated by the tragedy.
Chivayo was known for his lavish lifestyle, close ties to some African presidents and lucrative government contracts that had repeatedly attracted scrutiny.
He had denied allegations of wrongdoing linked to his business dealings.
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