Machakaire Reveals 5 Names After Wicknell Chivayo Helicopter Crash
Minister of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training Tino Machakaire has revealed the names of five people he identified as victims of the helicopter crash that killed businessman Wicknell Chivayo and his wife, Lucy Muteki, near Marondera on Wednesday, 30 September 2026.
The Bell 430 crashed at around 5pm in the Marondera rural area while travelling towards Harare. Authorities have confirmed that six people were aboard and there were no survivors, although police have not yet formally released a complete list of the victims.
Machakaire posted the names on X on Thursday, 1 October.
Machakaire Names Chivayo, Lucy Muteki And Others
Machakaire identified the five as Wicknell Chivayo, Lucy Muteki, Senelisiwe Magagula, Captain Kelvin T. Soda and Captain Courage Mutavirwa.
He wrote:
“I write this with a deeply broken heart following the tragic loss of five precious lives aboard the Bell 430 helicopter flight from Chikomba to Harare.”
Machakaire described the incident as a devastating loss for the families involved.
“They left their loved ones never knowing that it would be their final journey.”
Six People Were Aboard The Helicopter
The naming of five victims comes as authorities continue working to formally identify everyone who died.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police previously confirmed that six people were aboard the aircraft. Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said further details would follow once the scene had been processed.
The cause of the crash has not been established. Investigators and forensic teams were deployed to the scene on Thursday as authorities began examining what happened.
Machakaire concluded his message by sending condolences to the bereaved families.
“May their souls rest in eternal peace and may their memories forever live in the hearts of those who loved them.”
The names released by Machakaire provide further detail about the victims, while the identity of the sixth person remains subject to formal confirmation.
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