President Emmerson Mnangagwa has expressed his sorrow following the death of businessman Wicknell Chivayo and his wife, Lucy “Lulu” Muteke, in a helicopter crash in rural Marondera.
In a condolence message, Mnangagwa said the tragedy, which also claimed the lives of two crew members and a security aide, had left him and the country deeply saddened.
The President described the Chivayo family as generous philanthropists whose charitable activities had benefited communities across Zimbabwe through donations worth millions of dollars.
Mnangagwa said Chivayo had been involved in a wide range of areas, including politics, religion, public service, culture and sport, while maintaining a broader vision for Zimbabwe, the region and the continent.
He said he was aware of several initiatives Chivayo was planning, particularly programmes intended to support vulnerable communities and war veterans.
Mnangagwa said Chivayo had discussed some of the plans with him on Tuesday, shortly after a Cabinet meeting, a day before the fatal crash.
According to the President, Chivayo and his wife were returning from Gandami in Chikomba, where they had been involved in the construction of modern family and community facilities.
Mnangagwa said the developments reflected wider Government objectives focused on rural investment, industrialisation, development and transformation.
He said Chivayo’s plans were therefore closely connected to national development priorities.
The President conveyed his condolences to the Chivayo family and relatives of the other victims, saying he hoped all those who died would rest in eternal peace.
