Mnangagwa Mourns Chivayo as Police Name Victims of the Marondera Helicopter Crash

Harare — President Emmerson Mnangagwa has described the deaths of businessman Wicknell Chivayo, his wife Lucy Muteke and three others in a helicopter crash as a devastating national tragedy, revealing that he discussed Chivayo’s plans for Zimbabwe with him just a day before the fatal accident.

In a condolence message issued on Thursday following Wednesday’s crash in rural Marondera, Mnangagwa said he was personally shocked by the sudden deaths and described the Chivayos as a young family with “so much promise”.

The President said Chivayo had shared with him “numerous plans” for the country and its people when they met after Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting, less than 24 hours before the crash.

“I am personally aware of numerous plans he had for our Nation and our people, principally the less privileged ones and our war veterans,” Mnangagwa said.

“He shared with me some of these grand plans only this last Tuesday after our Cabinet meeting, just a day before his tragic end," he said.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has officially released names of the other three victims in the crash.

ZRP National Police Spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi, said after forensics teams attended the scene, two pilots and an aid have been identified.

"Reference is made to the Zimbabwe Republic Police post on its X handle regarding the helicopter crash which occurred on 30th September 2026 at Kudenga farm, Marondera.

"The Zimbabwe Republic Police reports that the scene has been attended by forensic scientists and other aviation experts.

"The Police therefore confirms that the helicopter had five occupants, namely; Wicknell Munodaani Chivhayo, Lucy Rujeko Muteke, Saneliswe Magagula, Calvin Tafirei Soda (pilot) and Courage Mutavirwa (co-pilot)," Commissioner Nyathi said.

Commissioner Nyathi said the Police in conjunction with the relevant experts, is conducting investigations into the circumstances surrounding the helicopter crash.

Chivayo, his wife and the other occupants died when their helicopter crashed in the Marondera Rural area at about 5pm on Wednesday.

Mnangagwa said the couple had been returning from Gandami, where they were involved in the construction of what he described as modern family and community structures.

He said the work fitted into the Government’s rural development agenda of investment, industrialisation, development and transformation.

“The Chivayos lost their lives on their way back from Gandami in rural Chikomba where they were putting up modern family and community structures, all in line with our policy on rural development through investments, industrialization, development and transformation,” he said.

The President also paid tribute to Chivayo’s philanthropic activities, saying the family had touched numerous lives through acts of charity and generosity running into millions of dollars.

He said the businessman’s charitable activities had reached people in politics, religion, public service, culture, sport and other professions.

Mnangagwa further described Chivayo as a businessman who had pursued a broader vision for Zimbabwe, the Southern African region and Africa.

“He had a grand vision for his family, for our country, for the Southern African subregion and for our African continent,” Mnangagwa said.

The President said Chivayo’s activities reflected what he described as the Second Republic’s emphasis on indigenous enterprise combined with social responsibility.

Mnangagwa extended his condolences to the Chivayo family and relatives of the other victims.

“On behalf of our Nation, my Family and on my behalf, I wish to express my deepest, heartfelt condolences to the Chivayo Family, and to the families of all those lost in yesterday’s tragic crash.

“We mourn with and stand by them in this hour of deep, inconsolable grief and pain," he said.

The President said the deceased would be remembered for their contribution to the country.

“May the bereaved families find solace and comfort in the great and distinguished work and service which the dear departed rendered to our Nation, and for which they will continue to be remembered and emulated,” he said.