Marondera, Zimbabwe: A private helicopter carrying six people crashed and caught fire near Waddilove Mission in Marondera Rural, Zimbabwe, at about 5 p.m. on 30 September 2026, killing everyone on board.
Zimbabwe Republic Police initially confirmed an aircraft crash with six occupants, while government spokesperson Nick Mangwana later identified it as a helicopter and said there were no survivors. Emergency responders attended the crash site, where the occupants were badly burned and authorities began the process of formally identifying the victims.
Among those killed were Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo and his wife, Lucy Muteke. Family spokesperson Herbert Chivayo confirmed their deaths, while reports said the helicopter had been travelling towards Harare after departing the Gandami area. The identities of the remaining victims had not been formally released in the latest reports.
The crash occurred at about 1700 hours local time (1500 GMT) in Marondera Rural, Mashonaland East Province, east of Harare. The helicopter came down at a farm near Waddilove Mission.
Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi initially said, “The ZRP confirms a plane crash in Marondera Rural area at 1700 hours, this evening. The aircraft had 6 occupants. More details will be released in due course as the scene is currently being attended.”
As emergency teams reached the site, Nyathi said the occupants had been badly burned in a fire. “They were burned, there was a fire and we will be trying to identify the people,” he said. “As we speak, responders are at the site and we will then be able to give more updates.”
Government spokesperson Nick Mangwana subsequently confirmed that the aircraft was a helicopter. His initial social-media statement said it carried one high-profile businessman, four passengers and two pilots, but the passenger count was later corrected to three passengers, keeping the total at six.
“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.”
Mangwana said police would formally confirm the identities of the victims and extended condolences to their families and friends.
Family spokesperson Herbert Chivayo later confirmed that Wicknell Chivayo and Lucy Muteke were among those killed. “We are at a loss for words after the tragic incident,” he said in comments reported by Zimbabwean media.
Reports identified the helicopter as a private aircraft, but authorities and the major reports reviewed have not yet disclosed its model, registration or operating company. The cause of the crash has also not been established.
Chivayo was a prominent Zimbabwean businessman and founder of Intratrek Zimbabwe, and was widely known for his high-profile lifestyle, philanthropy and relationships with senior political figures in Zimbabwe and elsewhere in Africa.
Kenyan President William Ruto also issued a condolence message after Chivayo’s death. “I am deeply saddened by the tragic passing of my friend, Wicknell Chivayo, together with his wife, Lucy Muteke, and the other lives lost in the helicopter crash in Zimbabwe,” Ruto said.
“Their sudden departure is a painful loss to their families, friends and all who knew them,” he added.
Ruto said, “Wicknell was a dear friend whose warmth touched many people. I will remember him for his friendship, his energy and his deep conviction in the possibilities of our continent.”
He also said, “I convey my deepest condolences to the families of all those who lost their lives, to President Mnangagwa, the people of Zimbabwe and everyone mourning this tragic loss. May God grant Wicknell, Lucy and all those who perished eternal rest.”
Zimbabwean authorities have begun investigating the crash. As of 1 October 2026, no official cause, helicopter model, registration or operator had been publicly established.
