President mourns Chivhayo

By Staff Reporter
HARARE — President Emmerson Mnangagwa has expressed deep sorrow following the death of businessman Wicknell Chivhayo and his wife, Lucy Muteke, in a helicopter crash in rural Marondera on Wednesday.**

In a condolence message dated 1 October 2026, President Mnangagwa described the deaths as a sudden and tragic loss that had left the nation, his family and him personally in shock and grief.

The President paid tribute to Chivhayo’s philanthropic work, saying his charitable activities had touched many lives across Zimbabwe. He noted that Chivhayo had supported people and communities across various sectors, including public service, religion, culture and sport.

Mnangagwa said Chivhayo had shared plans for further work aimed at supporting Zimbabweans, particularly less-privileged communities and war veterans, during a Cabinet meeting shortly before the fatal crash.

The President said the Chivhayos were returning from **Gandami in rural Chikomba**, where they had been involved in putting up family and community structures linked to rural development.

“On behalf of our Nation, my Family and on my behalf, I wish to express my deepest, heartfelt condolences to the Chivhayo Family, and to the families of all those lost in yesterday’s tragic crash,” Mnangagwa said in the statement.

He said the nation stood with the bereaved families during their period of grief and expressed hope that they would find comfort in the work and service rendered by those who died.

The fatal crash occurred in the **Marondera Rural area on 30 September 2026. Government officials said six people were aboard the aircraft and that there were no survivors.

President Mnangagwa concluded his message by offering prayers for the departed.

“May their dear souls be rested eternally.”