Herald Reporters
INTERNATIONAL aviation experts have been roped in to assist investigations into last week’s helicopter crash at Kudenga Farm in Mashonaland East Province that claimed the lives of businessman Mr Wicknell Chivayo and four others, with a preliminary report expected within 30 days of the accident.
Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Zhemu Soda disclosed this at yesterday’s post-Cabinet media briefing.
The Bell 430 helicopter, registered in Zimbabwe as Z-PED and operated by Sky Helicopters (Private) Limited, crashed on September 30 while on a private flight from Gandami in Chikomba District to Marondera.
All five people on board — pilot Captain Calvin Soda and passengers Mr Chivayo, his wife Ms Lucy Muteke, Ms Sanelisiwe Magagula and Captain Courage Mutavira — died in the crash.
President Mnangagwa accorded Mr Chivayo Provincial Hero status and visited the family home in Harare last Friday to pay his condolences. He described the deaths as a profound loss and Mr Chivayo as a personal friend whose demise had deeply saddened him.
“This is God’s doing and His will. I am hurt. I am the President, but he was my friend,” said President Mnangagwa.
Briefing journalists yesterday, Dr Soda said Cabinet received an update on the accident from Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona.
“The public is informed that a full investigation was instituted pursuant to Annexure 13 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation and the Civil Aviation Act, Chapter 13:15,” he said.
“Preliminary on-site investigations have been concluded, with the wreckage being recovered to the Government Hangar at Charles Prince Airport to allow for detailed forensic examination, including by international experts.”
The investigation is expected to examine several possible contributing factors before conclusions are reached.
“Government advises that a preliminary report will be expected within 30 days of the accident, in line with international investigation standards, detailing examination of the wreckage, meteorological information including the weather, maintenance records, operator and crew records,” said Dr Soda.
Government said further updates would be provided as investigations progress, while expressing solidarity with the bereaved families following the tragedy.
Meanwhile, foreign dignitaries are expected to attend the burial of Mr Chivayo and his wife tomorrow, family spokesperson Hebert Chivayo said.
“Preparations for the burial of Sir Wicknell Chivayo and his wife, Lucy Muteke, are at an advanced stage. Their graves are being worked on and tomorrow (today) we are to collect their bodies to come here overnight ahead of Thursday’s burial.”
Mr Hebert Chivayo said the bodies would be collected around midday and lie in state at the Chivayo family home in Gletwyn, Chishawasha Hills.
He urged mourners to continue maintaining unity and peace as further dignitaries were expected to arrive to pay their last respects.
A number of people, including foreign and local business figures, clergy, sports personalities, musicians, comedians and social media influencers, visited the Chivayo residence yesterday.
