The Zimbabwe Republic Police have formally named the five people who died when a helicopter came down at Kudenga Farm, Marondera, at about 5pm on Wednesday 30 September.

"The Police therefore confirms that the helicopter had five occupants, namely; Wicknell Munodaani Chivhayo, Lucy Rujeko Muteke, Saneliswe Magagula, Calvin Tafirei Soda (pilot) and Courage Mutavirwa (co-pilot)," national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said.

The statement corrects the first police figure of six occupants, which the government had also used. Ms Magagula has been described in reports as Mrs Chivayo's aide.

Commissioner Nyathi said forensic scientists and aviation experts had attended the scene. "The Police in conjunction with the relevant experts, is conducting investigations into the circumstances surrounding the helicopter crash. More information will be released as investigations unfold," he said. The cause has not been officially announced.

Family spokesperson Herbert Chivayo has said the families are waiting for forensic identification of the remains before burial arrangements can be finalised, so no funeral date has been set. Reports say the couple are expected to be buried together.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa said he was "numb" with shock at Mr Chivayo's death. Kenyan President William Ruto, who met Mr Chivayo in Nairobi on 8 September, said: "I am deeply saddened by the tragic passing of my friend, Wicknell Chivayo, together with his wife, Lucy Muteke, and the other lives lost in the helicopter crash in Zimbabwe."

Mr Chivayo, 43, head of Intratrek Zimbabwe, was best known for the Gwanda Solar Project and for his very public displays of wealth and gifts. His business career was also marked by controversy.

"The Zimbabwe Republic Police expresses its deepest condolences to the bereaved families," Commissioner Nyathi said.

This story will be updated when investigators give a cause or the families announce funeral arrangements.

Sources: ZRP statement by Commissioner Paul Nyathi as reported by The Herald (1 Oct), NewZimbabwe.com (2 Oct) and allAfrica (2 Oct); SABC News (1 Oct) for President Mnangagwa; family spokesperson Herbert Chivayo as reported by People Daily and ZimEye (1–2 Oct); President Ruto's statement as reported by Capital FM Africa.