MARONDERA — Prominent Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo and his wife, Lucy Muteke, have died in a helicopter crash in the Marondera rural area, according to a family spokesperson.

The helicopter crashed at around 5 pm on Wednesday, killing all six people on board. The government has confirmed that there were no survivors.

Family spokesperson Herbert Chivayo confirmed the deaths of Wicknell Chivayo and Lucy Muteke to ZBC News, saying the family was at a loss for words following the tragedy.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police had earlier confirmed that an aircraft with six occupants had crashed in Marondera Rural at around 1700 hours, with emergency teams attending the scene.

Government spokesperson and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Nick Mangwana, later confirmed that the aircraft was a helicopter carrying a high-profile businessman, three other passengers and two pilots, and that there were no survivors.

Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi also confirmed the crash. Authorities are expected to formally identify all the victims.

The cause of the crash has not yet been established, and investigations are expected to follow.

Chivayo was a prominent Zimbabwean businessman known for his involvement in major business and philanthropic activities. His death has triggered widespread reaction across Zimbabwe.

The government has expressed condolences to the victims’ families, friends and associates.

More to follow as police release further details.