Helicopter Crashes in Zimbabwe, Kills Six Including Prominent Businessman

A helicopter crashed in the Marondera district of Zimbabwe's Mashonaland East Province on Wednesday afternoon, killing all six people on board, according to government officials. The crash occurred around 5 p.m. local time in a rural area southeast of the capital, Harare. Government spokesperson Nick Mangwana confirmed that the aircraft carried a prominent businessman, three other passengers, and two crew members, with no survivors reported.

Mangwana posted on social media that authorities would release the names of the deceased as the response operation continued. Local police confirmed the incident and said additional details would be provided in due course. The exact circumstances of the crash have not yet been disclosed by authorities.

One source identified the businessman as Wicknell Chivayo, described as one of Zimbabwe's most prominent entrepreneurs, though other sources have not independently confirmed this identification. Authorities have not publicly disclosed the location within the district or other operational details of the investigation.