NAIROBI, Kenya- Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has mourned Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo and his wife following their deaths in a helicopter crash in Marondera on Wednesday, September 30.
Samia described Chivayo as an entrepreneur whose influence extended beyond Zimbabwe, saying his death was a loss to the African continent.
“Zimbabwe and Africa have lost a young and visionary entrepreneur who touched the lives of many,” she said in her condolence message.
The Tanzanian leader expressed sorrow over the crash, which also claimed the lives of other people aboard the aircraft.
Condolences to Zimbabwe
Samia conveyed her sympathies to Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, the Chivayo family and the families of the other victims on behalf of Tanzania’s government and citizens.
“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.
She ended her message with a prayer for those who died.
“May their souls rest in peace. Amen.”
Tributes from regional leaders
Kenyan President William Ruto also mourned Chivayo and his wife, Lucy Muteke, describing the businessman as a friend.
Ruto said he would remember Chivayo for his warmth, energy and belief in Africa’s potential. He extended condolences to the bereaved families and the people of Zimbabwe.
President Mnangagwa confirmed Chivayo’s death on Thursday, a day after the crash.
Cause of crash under investigation
The helicopter went down in rural Marondera, southeast of Harare.
Zimbabwean aviation authorities said preliminary findings indicated that fuel spilled on impact before a fire broke out.
Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe Director General George Mashababe said investigators had yet to establish what caused the aircraft to crash.
