Forensic experts in Zimbabwe are working to formally identify six people killed in a helicopter crash in Marondera, as families wait for confirmation of the remains.
The helicopter crashed at about 5pm on Wednesday, September 30, in Marondera Rural, Mashonaland East Province, east of Harare.
Police confirmed that six people were on board and that there were no survivors. The bodies were badly burned in the crash, making formal identification difficult.
Family spokesperson Herbert Chivayo confirmed that prominent businessman Wicknell Chivayo and his wife, Lucy Muteke, were among those killed.
“Yes, we confirm that Wicknell Chivayo and his wife have perished in this tragedy,” Herbert Chivayo said, according to reports from the crash scene.
Authorities have yet to formally release the complete list of victims as forensic specialists continue with the identification process.
The crash occurred at a farm near Waddilove Mission, where emergency responders and investigators were deployed after the helicopter went down and caught fire.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe has also joined the investigation into the accident.
Its director-general, George Mashababe, said preliminary observations indicated that the helicopter hit the ground before fuel spilled and ignited a fire.
“The helicopter has a tail with blades, and when the body of the helicopter hit the ground, it appears there was impact and a spillage of fuel, which resulted in a fire,” Mashababe said.
He said investigations were continuing and that investigators would provide further details once their work was complete.
The cause of the crash has not been established.
Chivayo, 43, was a prominent Zimbabwean businessman known for his close ties to President Emmerson Mnangagwa and other African leaders.
His death has also drawn condolences from President William Ruto, who described him as a friend and mourned him alongside his wife and the other victims.
The identification process is expected to pave the way for the formal release of the victims’ names and the next steps for their families as investigations into the fatal crash continue.