Zimbabwean millionaire Wicknell Chivayo, who was once jailed for fraud in 2004, has been killed in a helicopter crash.

His wife, Lucy, and four others were among the casualties when the aircraft crashed near Marondera on Wednesday.

The Zimbabwean police said the helicopter crashed around 5:00 p.m., killing the six occupants.

Mr Chivayo, 46, rose to prominence after a three-year prison sentence for defrauding a South African businessman.

The Zimbabwean millionaire was known for flaunting wealth on social media, philanthropy, and associations with African leaders, including Presidents Emmerson Mnangagwa, Samia Suluhu, and William Ruto.

In a tribute, Mr Ruto described the Zimbabwean millionaire as a dear friend and sent condolences to his family.

“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. Their sudden departure is a painful loss to their families, friends and all who knew them,” Mr Ruto said. “Wicknell was a dear friend whose warmth touched many people. I will remember him for his friendship, his energy and his deep conviction in the possibilities of our continent.”