Police Identify Five Victims of Marondera Helicopter Crash

By Southerton Business Times | Marondera

Police have identified five people who died when a helicopter crashed at Kudenga Farm near Marondera on Wednesday, as forensic and aviation experts began investigations into the accident.

The victims have been identified as businessman Wicknell Munodaani Chivhayo, his wife Lucy Rujeko Muteke, Saneliswe Magagula, Calvin Tafirei Soda, the pilot, and Courage Mutavirwa, the co-pilot. Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said forensic scientists and aviation experts had attended the crash site to assist with investigations. “Police, in conjunction with the relevant experts, are conducting investigations into the circumstances surrounding the helicopter crash,” Nyathi said.

The helicopter crashed at Kudenga Farm in the Marondera area on September 30, killing all those aboard, according to police. Initial police information indicated that six people, including two pilots, were aboard the aircraft when it crashed.

However, Nyathi's latest statement identified five victims by name. The police did not immediately provide details explaining the discrepancy between the earlier reported number of occupants and the five names released on Thursday. The crash occurred on Wednesday evening at a farm near Waddilove Mission in Marondera. Emergency services attended the scene, while authorities secured the area for investigations and identification procedures.

Chivhayo, a prominent Zimbabwean businessman, and Muteke had reportedly travelled to the area in connection with their rural property. The cause of the crash has not yet been established. Investigators are expected to examine the aircraft wreckage, flight information, weather conditions and other evidence as they seek to establish what happened before the helicopter went down.

Police have not yet released further details about the circumstances surrounding the flight or whether the helicopter experienced any technical problems before the crash. The investigation remains ongoing.

Marondera helicopter crash