Tanzania’s president Samia Suluhu pays tribute to Wicknell Chivayo after fatal crash

In a condolence message issued on Thursday, October 1, 2026, President Samia described Chivayo as a “young and visionary entrepreneur” who had touched the lives of many people.

“It is with great sorrow that I mourn the passing of Zimbabwean businessman Mr Wicknell Chivayo, his beloved wife, and three other people who tragically lost their lives in a helicopter crash in Marondera,” Samia said.

"Zimbabwe and Africa have lost a young and visionary entrepreneur who touched the lives of many.”

The Tanzanian leader conveyed condolences on behalf of the government and people of Tanzania to Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, the Chivayo family, the families of the other victims and the people of Zimbabwe.

“On behalf of the Government and the people of the United Republic of Tanzania, I convey our deepest and heartfelt condolences to His Excellency Emmerson Mnangagwa, President of the Republic of Zimbabwe; the Chivayo family, the families of all those who lost their loved ones and the people of Zimbabwe,” she said.

"May their souls rest in peace. Amen.”

The tribute comes as Zimbabwean authorities continue investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police said forensic scientists and aviation experts had attended the crash scene at Kudenga Farm in Marondera, where the helicopter came down on September 30, 2026.

Police subsequently confirmed that the aircraft had five occupants, Chivayo, his wife Lucy Rujeko Muteke, Saneliswe Magagula, pilot Calvin Tafirei Soda and co-pilot Courage Mutavirwa.

Police said investigations were being conducted together with relevant experts and that more information would be released as the inquiry progresses.

The helicopter crashed at about 5:00 pm on Wednesday in the Marondera area, east of Zimbabwe’s capital, Harare.

Initial reports indicated that there were no survivors. The crash also prompted the deployment of forensic teams and aviation experts to examine the scene and establish what happened.

George Mashababe, director-general of the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe, said investigators had observed evidence of impact and fuel spillage that resulted in a fire, while stressing that investigations were continuing.

The cause of the crash has not been conclusively established.

Chivayo’s death has triggered tributes from prominent political and business figures across the region.

Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa publicly confirmed his death, while Kenyan President William Ruto also mourned the businessman, describing him as a friend.

The reaction from President Samia now adds Tanzania’s official voice to the regional condolences following the tragedy.

Chivayo was a prominent figure in Zimbabwe’s business and social circles and was known for his high-profile relationships with political leaders and public figures across Africa. His death has consequently generated widespread attention beyond Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwean authorities have maintained that investigations into the helicopter crash are ongoing.

Forensic specialists and aviation experts are expected to examine the wreckage and other evidence as investigators seek to establish the circumstances that led to the fatal crash.