A Bell 430 helicopter went down in Marondera district at around 5 pm local time on Wednesday, September 30, killing all six people on board, including businessman Wicknell Chivayo and his wife.

The aircraft crashed on Kudenga Farm, scattering wreckage across the site and travelling several metres after impact before coming to rest.

Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ) director‑general George Mashababe said fuel spilled on impact, igniting a fire that burned the surrounding grass.

Mashababe cautioned that while the fuel spill and fire were confirmed, investigators had not yet determined the underlying cause of the crash.

A family spokesperson, Herbert Chivayo, confirmed the deaths of Wicknell Chivayo and his wife in a statement to national broadcaster ZBC News.

Zimbabwean government officials also announced that there were no survivors among the six occupants, comprising two crew members and four passengers.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirmed the accident occurred at approximately 1700 hours, but said further details were not yet available.

By midnight, the bodies of all victims remained at the crash site as authorities cordoned the area, with funeral service providers already on scene.