President Mnangagwa Mourns Chivayo, Reveals Businessman’s Final Plans For Zimbabwe

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has sent a heartfelt message of condolence to the Chivayo family and the families of two crew members and a security aide killed in a helicopter crash in rural Marondera, saying the tragedy has left the nation shattered and his own family in inconsolable grief.

In a deeply personal message, President Mnangagwa said the Chivayo family and the other victims died when their helicopter went down yesterday afternoon while returning from Gandami in rural Chikomba.

“The sudden and unexpected tragic passing on of Mr and Mrs Chivayo, two crew members and a security aide in a helicopter crash yesterday afternoon left our Nation, my family and me personally numbed and in deep shock and grief,” he said.

“We are all shattered by this unexpected, sudden demise of so young a family and officers for whom so much promise held.”

President Mnangagwa poured out his heart for the bereaved, saying the family’s philanthropy ran into millions of dollars and touched countless lives across politics, religion, public service, culture, sport and many professions.

He revealed he had met Chivayo only last Tuesday, a day before the crash, after a Cabinet meeting, where the businessman shared grand plans for the country, especially for the less privileged and war veterans.

“Tellingly, the Chivayos lost their lives on their way back from Gandami in rural Chikomba where they were putting up modern family and community structures, all in line with our policy on rural development through investments, industrialization, development and transformation,” said President Mnangagwa.

“On behalf of our Nation, my Family and on my behalf, I wish to express my deepest, heartfelt condolences to the Chivayo Family, and to the families of all those lost in yesterday’s tragic crash. We mourn with and stand by them in this hour of deep, inconsolable grief and pain.”

He said the bereaved families should find solace in the distinguished work and service the departed rendered to the nation, for which they will continue to be remembered and emulated.

“May their dear souls be rested eternally,” the President said.