Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa has broken his silence following the death of businessman Wicknell Chivayo, describing the fatal helicopter crash that claimed his life as a devastating tragedy for the country.
Chivayo died alongside his wife, Lucy Muteke, two crew members and a security aide after their helicopter crashed in rural Marondera on Wednesday afternoon.
In a condolence message issued on Thursday, October 1, Mnangagwa said the sudden deaths had left him, his family and the Zimbabwean nation in deep shock and grief.
“The sudden and unexpected tragic passing on of Mr and Mrs Chivayo, two crew members and a security aide in a helicopter crash yesterday afternoon left our Nation, my family, and me personally numbed and in deep shock and grief,” Mnangagwa said.
The President described Chivayo and his wife as a young family whose lives held significant promise, while paying tribute to the family's philanthropic activities across Zimbabwe.
Mnangagwa said the Chivayo family had touched many lives through charitable contributions running into millions of dollars, with its generosity extending to people and institutions in politics, religion, public service, culture, sport and other professions.
He also highlighted Chivayo's ambitions for Zimbabwe and the wider African continent, saying the businessman had contributed to the country's engagement and re-engagement efforts.
According to Mnangagwa, Chivayo represented the Second Republic's emphasis on indigenous enterprise combined with philanthropy, describing this as part of the legacy he leaves behind.
The Zimbabwean leader further revealed that Chivayo had several plans aimed at supporting Zimbabweans, particularly disadvantaged communities and war veterans.
“I am personally aware of numerous plans he had for our Nation and our people, principally the less privileged ones and our war veterans, whose social condition he diligently worked to ameliorate,” Mnangagwa said.
Mnangagwa added that Chivayo had discussed some of those plans with him as recently as Tuesday, shortly after a Cabinet meeting.
The tragedy has also prompted an emotional tribute from President William Ruto, who described Chivayo as a close friend.
Ruto said he was deeply saddened by Chivayo's death alongside Muteke and the other victims of the helicopter crash in Zimbabwe.
“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,” Ruto said.
The Kenyan President extended his condolences to the victims' families, Mnangagwa, the people of Zimbabwe and others mourning the deaths.
Investigations into the crash are ongoing as authorities seek to establish the circumstances surrounding the accident.