PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa said the nation has been left numbed and in deep shock following the death of businessman Wicknell Chivayo, his wife Lucy “Lulu” Muteke-Chivayo and three others in a helicopter crash in rural Marondera.
The President, accompanied by senior government officials, visited the Chivayo family home in Gletwyn, Harare, this evening to pay his condolences to the bereaved family.
The helicopter went down on Wednesday afternoon, killing all five people on board: Chivayo, his wife, two crew members and a security aide.
In a statement after the visit, Mnangagwa said he had gone to the home to offer his “deepest personal condolences” following what he described as the “sudden and tragic passing” of the couple and those who died with them.
“The helicopter accident in rural Marondera on Wednesday afternoon has left our entire nation numbed and in deep shock and grief,” the President said.
Mnangagwa, with whom Chivayo was publicly and closely associated, paid tribute to the businessman’s ambitions for the country and the continent.
“Wicknell was a man of grand vision, not just for his family, but for Zimbabwe and the wider African continent,” he said.
“The Chivayo family’s deep patriotism and selfless philanthropy transformed numerous lives across public service, religion, culture, and sport.”
Chivayo was widely known for his high-value gifts and donations to churches, musicians, sports organisations and other causes, a pattern the President’s tribute appeared to acknowledge.
Mnangagwa also remembered the three others who lost their lives in the crash.
“In this time of national loss, we also mourn the two promising crew members and the dedicated security aide who perished alongside them,” he said.
He called on Zimbabweans to stand together with the grieving families.
“During this moment of profound heartbreak, we stand together in unity, compassion, and prayer with the bereaved families. May the Almighty comfort them and grant collective strength to our nation,” the President said.
“May their dear souls rest in eternal peace.”
The President was joined at the wake by Prophet Emmanuel Makandiwa, among other mourners, as religious leaders, politicians and friends continued to gather at the family home.
Earlier, Prophet Eubert Angel described Chivayo as “family” and an uncle to his children, while Makandiwa said in a separate statement that the couple had “saved the best for last” through their giving.
The bodies of the five victims are still undergoing forensic examination, and funeral arrangements are yet to be announced.
