Six people have died after a helicopter crashed in a rural area of Marondera, east of Harare, Zimbabwe, on Wednesday, September 30, 2026. Zimbabwean authorities confirmed that there were no survivors after the aircraft went down at around 17:00, with emergency services dispatched to the scene shortly after the incident. The helicopter was carrying six […]

Six people have died after a helicopter crashed in a rural area of Marondera, east of Harare, Zimbabwe, on Wednesday, September 30, 2026.

Zimbabwean authorities confirmed that there were no survivors after the aircraft went down at around 17:00, with emergency services dispatched to the scene shortly after the incident. The helicopter was carrying six people, including two pilots and four passengers.

Among those reported to have been on board was prominent Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo. His death, together with that of his wife, Lucy Muteke, was later confirmed by the family, according to Zimbabwean media reports.

The crash happened in the Marondera rural area, with police and emergency responders finding the bodies at the scene. National Police spokesperson Paul Nyathi said the bodies had been severely burned, making immediate identification difficult.
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Authorities initially urged caution over the identities of those who died as formal identification procedures were being carried out. Early reports circulating on social media and among local media outlets had also created some confusion over the number of people aboard the helicopter.

Chief Government Spokesperson Nick Mangwana later clarified that six people had been aboard the aircraft, comprising four passengers and two pilots. Earlier reports had referred to four people, before the number was confirmed to include the two crew members.

Chivayo was widely known in Zimbabwe as a businessman and public figure, and news of his reported death quickly spread across social media following the crash.

There were initially reports from journalists and other unofficial sources that Chivayo and his wife were among the victims, although authorities had not immediately released the identities of those who died. The family later confirmed that both Chivayo and Muteke were among the six people killed.

The cause of the helicopter crash remains unknown.

Authorities are expected to conduct investigations to establish what caused the aircraft to come down and whether mechanical failure, weather conditions, human factors or another issue played a role.

The tragedy has sent shockwaves through Zimbabwe, particularly following confirmation that a prominent businessman and his wife were among those who lost their lives.

Officials are expected to provide further information as investigations continue and the identities of all six victims are formally established.
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