Dodoma — Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has expressed deep sorrow following the death of Zimbabwean controversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo, his wife and three other people in a helicopter crash in Marondera.

In a condolence message on her Facebook page, President Hassan described Chivayo as a young, visionary entrepreneur whose life had touched many people in Zimbabwe and across Africa.

“It is with great sorrow that I mourn the passing of Zimbabwean businessman Mr Wicknell Chivayo, his beloved wife, and three other people who tragically lost their lives in a helicopter crash in Marondera,” she said.

President Hassan said the deaths represented a loss not only to the affected families but also to Zimbabwe and the wider African continent.

“Zimbabwe and Africa have lost a young and visionary entrepreneur who touched the lives of many,” she said.

On behalf of the Tanzanian government and people, President Hassan extended condolences to Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, the Chivayo family, the families of the other victims and the people of Zimbabwe.

She concluded her message by saying, “May their souls rest in peace.”

The helicopter crash in Marondera claimed five lives on Wednesday around 5 pm, with Chivayo and his wife among those who died.

Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the crash are underway.