MARONDERA — Six people have died after a helicopter crashed in the Marondera Rural area on Wednesday evening, the government has confirmed.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) initially reported that an aircraft with six occupants had crashed at around 5 pm.

In an update, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Nick Mangwana confirmed that the aircraft was a helicopter carrying one high-profile businessman, three other passengers and two pilots.

Mangwana said there were no survivors.

“The Government wishes to confirm that a helicopter crash has occurred, involving one high-profile businessman, three other passengers, and two pilots,” Mangwana said.

“Current information indicates that there were no survivors in this crash.”

The identities of the victims have not yet been released. The ZRP is expected to confirm their names in due course.

Authorities are currently attending to the crash scene as investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident continue.

The government extended its condolences to the victims’ families and friends.

Reports suggest that businessmen Wicknell Chivhayo and his wife were on board.

More details to follow.