Wicknell Chivayo, a 43-year-old Zimbabwean businessman known for lavish public giveaways and close ties to the ruling ZANU-PF party, was killed with his wife Lucy Muteke and four others when their helicopter crashed and burst into flames near Marondera, about 72km east of Harare, on Wednesday. Officials said there were no survivors and that an investigation into the cause is under way. His death draws attention to a wealthy, politically connected elite whose government energy contracts, including a $170 million solar plant deal, have fuelled public questions amid widespread economic hardship.