“A Nation Numbed”:  Mnangagwa Mourns Wicknell Chivayo, Wife, and Three Others After Tragic Helicopter Crash

By Staff Reporter

PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa has expressed deep grief after the sudden loss of businessman Wicknell Chivayo, his wife Lucy Muteke, and three others in a devastating helicopter crash in Marondera.

The group was returning from Gandami in rural Chikomba, where they were advancing efforts to improve local family and community structures.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa expressed his shock and sorrow, calling the tragedy “a major loss to the nation.” He said, “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.”

The President praised the Chivayo family’s generosity and far-reaching charitable work:

“Its charitable work and generosity transformed numerous lives across the country.”

Chivayo’s support stretched across politics, religion, public service, culture, sport, and other sectors. President Mnangagwa recalled,

“He embodied the Second Republic’s ethos of indigenous enterprise tempered with a human face, an admirable legacy which is sure to inspire a generation.”

Just a day before the accident, Chivayo had shared his vision with the President, focusing on initiatives for disadvantaged communities and war veterans. Their work in rural Chikomba was closely aligned with Zimbabwe’s national goals of rural development, investment, and transformation.

President Mnangagwa concluded his message with heartfelt condolences:

“On behalf of our nation, my family and on my behalf, I wish to express my deepest, heartfelt condolences to the Chivayo Family, and to the families of all those lost in yesterday’s tragic crash.”

In a message of unity and remembrance, he added:

“The nation stands with the bereaved families during their difficult time and hopes they will find comfort in the work and service rendered by the deceased. May their dear souls rest eternally.