Zimbabwe tycoon Wicknell Chivayo and wife killed in helicopter crash

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.

Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the aircraft crashed at about 17:00 local time (15:00 GMT) and had six occupants, but authorities did not immediately identify all those on board. Two of the six were pilots, according to government officials.

ZBC reported that the group was travelling from Gandami in Chikomba, where Chivayo and his wife were building a rural home, when the helicopter crashed at Kudenga Farm about 40 minutes after take-off.

"We are at a loss for words after the tragic news," the family spokesperson, told the ZBC.

本文の著作権はBBCにあります。