Chivayo's death makes global headlines

The death of Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo has attracted widespread international attention, with major media organisations across Africa, Europe and Asia reporting on the helicopter crash that claimed his life.

Chivayo, who was due to turn 44 next month, died on Wednesday after the helicopter he was travelling in crashed at Kudenga Farm near Marondera at around 5pm.

His wife, Lucy "Lulu" Rujeko, also died in the crash, along with her aide, Saniliswe Magagula, and the two pilots, Calvin Tafirei Soda and Courage Mutavirwa.

Police national spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the identities of the five victims and said forensic scientists and aviation experts had attended the crash scene.

"The Zimbabwe Republic Police reports that the scene has been attended by forensic scientists and other aviation experts," Nyathi said.

"Meanwhile, the police, in conjunction with the relevant experts, are conducting investigations into the circumstances surrounding the helicopter crash. More information will be released as investigations unfold."

Police also expressed their condolences to the bereaved families.

Chivayo was reportedly returning to Harare after visiting his rural home in Chikomba when the tragedy occurred.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa expressed shock and grief over the deaths, describing Chivayo as a businessman who represented the Second Republic's emphasis on indigenous enterprise.

"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," Mnangagwa said.

"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."

Kenyan President William Ruto also mourned Chivayo, describing the businessman as his friend.

The tragedy was widely reported by international media, including the BBC, Al Jazeera and Britain's The Sun. Coverage also emerged in Nigeria, India and Kenya, with organisations including the Hindustan Times, The Standard and the East African reporting on the crash and Chivayo's death.

Back home, tributes continued to pour in from the entertainment and sporting fraternity.

Leading musician Alick Macheso sent a condolence message to the Chivayo family, saying the tragedy was difficult to comprehend.

"Hazvisi nyore kutaura kana kufunga mashoko anokwana panguva yakadai," Macheso wrote.

Musician Jah Prayzah also postponed his wedding, which had been scheduled to take place in Glen Lorne, Harare, on Saturday.

Jah Prayzah and Chivayo had been close friends, with Chivayo reportedly entering into a US$500,000 agreement for Chimurenga music icon Thomas "Mukanya" Mapfumo to perform at the wedding.

Another US$500,000 deal had reportedly been agreed for Mapfumo to perform at Chivayo's birthday celebrations next month, an event that will now not take place following his death.

Chivayo's involvement in sport also featured prominently in the tributes, with Highlanders and Scottland FC, both of which received substantial financial support from the businessman, mourning his death.

Highlanders revealed that the club received US$250,000 from Chivayo on the day he died, taking his reported financial support for the club to more than US$2 million over the past two years.

Meanwhile, members of the Johanne Masowe yeChishanu church in Harare halted their usual activities to mourn the businessman.

Several members said they were struggling to come to terms with the sudden loss.

Madzibaba Simbarashe Nengomasha described Chivayo as someone who had touched many lives through his generosity.

"We have lost a man who has been planting seeds of love. The man who taught us a lesson of sharing — giving the best in abundance — has left us with a challenge," he said.

"Whatever we do on earth, let us do it wholeheartedly because we do not have a lot of time to live."

Madzibaba Nengomasha said Chivayo had also supported members of the church in practical ways and expressed hope that others would follow his example.

Madzibaba Katsiru said Chivayo's philanthropy extended beyond the cars and cash for which he became widely known.

"For many, he was a man who gave cars and cash. But to us, it was more than that," he said, noting that Chivayo had assisted with school fees, medical expenses and support for widows.

Church member Tawanda Jegede said Chivayo's death had affected him deeply.

"To me, Sir Wicknell Chivayo was a daily blessing. He would give me US$50 whenever he saw me," he said.

"I am yet to gain the strength to work since I heard about the helicopter crash."

Some church members travelled to Gletwin hoping to join other mourners but were reportedly turned away from the neighbourhood, where Chivayo had a residence.

"We went to his Borrowdale, Gunhill and Gletwin properties but we were turned away," one member said.