In Zimbabwe, a helicopter with millionaire Wicknell Chivayo on board crashed 40 minutes after takeoff
Quick Look
- A helicopter with millionaire Wicknell Chivayo and his wife on board crashed in the Mashonaland East province in Zimbabwe, about 70 km from Harare.
- Two pilots and six passengers were killed.
- Chivayo, a wealthy businessman involved in government contracts in the energy and healthcare sectors, was previously accused of corruption and fraud, particularly in the $172 million Gwanda solar power plant case, but was acquitted after a five-year trial.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Wicknell Chivayo is a Zimbabwean businessman who made his fortune through government contracts in the energy sector and the supply of medical equipment. He was repeatedly accused of corruption and fraud, including the $172 million Gwanda solar power plant case, but was eventually acquitted after a five-year trial. Known for his luxurious gifts to celebrities and politicians.
In Zimbabwe, a helicopter with a controversial multimillionaire on board crashed 40 minutes after takeoff. The Daily Mirror writes about this.
The plane crash occurred in Mashonaland East province, about 70 kilometers from the capital Harare. The two pilots and six passengers of the helicopter, which crashed on a farm, could not be saved. It soon became clear that millionaire Wicknell Chivayo and his wife were flying in the helicopter.
The businessman made a fortune from government contracts in the energy sector and the supply of medical equipment worth hundreds of millions of US dollars. He was repeatedly accused of corruption and fraud. It is known that he had friendly relations with the presidents of Zimbabwe, Kenya and other African countries and allegedly received tenders for government contracts illegally.
In particular, in 2018, Chivayo was accused of fraud in the construction of the Gwanda solar power plant worth 172 million US dollars (14.3 billion rubles). The proceedings lasted five years, but the millionaire was eventually acquitted. Chivayo's personal net worth is unknown. According to the most conservative estimates, it exceeded 100 million dollars (8.3 billion rubles).
Chivayo was also known for giving luxury cars, large sums of cash and other expensive gifts to celebrities, musicians, religious figures, politicians and people who caught his attention on social media. This caused polar reactions in society. Some considered the businessman a philanthropist, others argued that in this way he bought the loyalty of famous people.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
An official investigation will be conducted into the cause of the helicopter crash.
Very likely · Within weeks
Public debate about Wicknell Chivayo's corruption ties will intensify
Likely · Within weeks
Open Questions
- What is the reason for the helicopter crash?
- Were only Chivayo and his wife on board the helicopter, or were there other passengers as well?
- Is there an official statement from the Zimbabwean authorities regarding the crash?
- Will there be an investigation into the cause of the plane crash?
