Zimbabwean tycoon Wicknell Chivayo and his wife Lucy Muteke have died in a helicopter crash in Marondera rural area, east of Harare, Zimbabwe's state broadcaster ZBC reports quoting a family spokesperson.

The crash occurred on Wednesday and killed all six on board, government spokesperson Nick Mangwana said on X.

A family spokesman told the state broadcaster that they were at a loss of words after learning of the crash.

Chivayo was known for rubbing shoulders with African presidents, having been pictured with Presidents Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe, William Ruto of Kenya, Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania, Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, and Zambia's deceased former President Edgar Lungu.

Flashy life

He was famous for his flashy life, often flying private jets, shopping at high-end stores, changing luxurious vehicles frequently, gifting people expensive presents, including cars and houses, and lived in a posh neighbourhood in Harare.

Police had earlier said an aircraft carrying six people crashed in the area at around 1700 local time (1500 GMT) and that emergency services were attending the scene.

Police spokesperson Paul Nyathi said that the bodies were badly burned and authorities needed to formally identify the victims.