Chivayo and wife’s final journey: Where were they going?

Wicknell Chivayo and his wife, Lucy Muteke, were travelling from their rural home project in Gandami, Chikomba, when the helicopter carrying them crashed in Marondera, Zimbabwe.

The couple were among six people aboard the helicopter that went down at Kudenga Farm approximately 40 minutes after take-off, according to state broadcaster ZBC News.

The latest details provide more information about Chivayo’s final journey before the fatal crash.

Where was Wicknell Chivayo before the crash?

Chivayo and his wife had been in Gandami, in Chikomba, where they were building their rural home.

According to ZBC News, the couple were travelling from the area when the helicopter took off.

The aircraft was carrying six people when it left Gandami.

It was approximately 40 minutes into the flight when it went down at Kudenga Farm in the Marondera area.

The crash claimed the lives of everyone on board.

Where did the helicopter crash?

The helicopter crashed at Kudenga Farm, with earlier reports placing the incident in the Marondera Rural area.

The crash happened at around 5pm, according to information released after the incident.

The new details about the flight’s departure point provide a clearer picture of the journey Chivayo and the other passengers were undertaking before the aircraft came down.

However, authorities have not yet established publicly what caused the helicopter to crash.

Who was travelling with Chivayo?

Chivayo and his wife were among the six people who died in the crash.

The aircraft was also carrying four other people, including two pilots.

Family members later confirmed the deaths of Chivayo and Muteke.

The identities and circumstances surrounding the deaths of the other occupants have also been subject to official confirmation as authorities work through the aftermath of the crash.

News of Chivayo and Lucy’s deaths has prompted condolences from people in Zimbabwe and across the region, with tributes appearing on social media following the fatal helicopter crash.

Kenyan President William Ruto described Chivayo as a “dear friend” and said he was deeply saddened by the businessman’s death alongside his wife and the other people who died in the crash. Ruto also extended his condolences to the families of all those who lost their lives.

Ruto wrote on X: “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.”

He added that he would remember Chivayo for his friendship, energy and belief in the possibilities of the African continent.

Other social media users also shared messages of grief and sympathy following news of the crash, which claimed the lives of all six people aboard the helicopter.