Mnangagwa shuns air travel after Chivayo crash

President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Friday travelled by road to Mutare, just two days after his close associate, businessman Wicknell Chivayo, died in a helicopter crash near Marondera.

Mnangagwa was the guest of honour at a graduation ceremony at a state university in Manicaland and made the approximately 260-kilometre journey in his motorcade instead of using his usual helicopter or aircraft.

Presidential spokesperson George Charamba confirmed the decision, citing prevailing weather conditions.

"The murky weather continues to pose challenges to air travel using anything but fixed-wing craft," Charamba said.

Chivayo, a prominent businessman, died on Wednesday when the helicopter he was travelling in crashed at a farm near Marondera. His wife, two pilots and a security aide also died in the accident.

Witnesses reported that the area was covered by clouds and mist at the time, resulting in poor visibility. Air crash investigators have not yet released their findings into the cause of the accident.

After completing his programme in Mutare, Mnangagwa travelled directly to Chivayo's home in Gletwin, Harare, where hundreds of mourners had gathered to pay their respects.

Addressing the family and mourners, Mnangagwa described Chivayo as a friend and expressed his grief over the businessman's death.

"This is God's doing and his will. I'm hurt. I'm the president, but he was my friend," Mnangagwa said.

The President subsequently declared Chivayo a provincial hero, a status that allows the state to meet the costs associated with his funeral.