ZIMBABWE BUSINESSMAN WICKNELL CHIVAYO DIES IN HELICOPTER CRASH

Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo has died along with his wife, Lucy Muteke, and four other people after a helicopter crashed near Marondera, east of Harare, according to family and government officials. State broadcaster ZBC reported that the group had set off on Wednesday from Gandami, a rural area in Chikomba district where Chivayo grew up and where the couple were building a home. The helicopter came down at Kudenga Farm, about 70km from Harare, roughly 40 minutes after take-off. Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the aircraft crashed at around 17:00 local time with six people on board, two of whom were pilots, according to government officials. Family spokesperson Herbert Chivayo confirmed the deaths to ZBC, saying the family was "at a loss for words". Government spokesperson Nick Mangwana said on social media that there were no survivors.

Chivayo, who was in his 40s, founded Intratrek Zimbabwe, a company involved in major energy projects including the long-delayed 100-megawatt Gwanda solar project. He had attracted scrutiny over government contracts linked to his business dealings, which he denied amounted to any wrongdoing, and was known for close ties to some African presidents and a lavish public lifestyle. In June, King Mswati III granted him Eswatini citizenship and a diplomatic passport, after which he announced plans for a 300MW solar project in the kingdom.

George Mashababe, director-general of Zimbabwe's Civil Aviation Authority, said early indications suggested the helicopter's tail hit the ground first, causing fuel to spill and catch fire. He said the investigation was ongoing and a full statement would follow. Forensic experts were sent to the crash site, according to a Zimbabwean newspaper, with Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona among senior officials expected to visit. Police said investigations into the cause were under way.