AN Indian billionaire and his son were among the six individuals who tragically lost their lives in a plane crash in Zimbabwe last week.
Harpal Randhawa, the owner of RioZim, a diversified mining company, along with his son and four others, perished when the plane crashed in the Zvamahande area of Mashava, according to reports.
The aircraft, owned by RioZim, was apparently en route from Harare to the Murowa diamond mine in southwestern Zimbabwe when the tragic incident occurred.
The plane experienced a technical fault, possibly resulting in a mid-air explosion, before plummeting into Peter Farm in the Zvamahande region. All passengers and crew onboard lost their lives in this devastating accident.
Among the victims, four were reported to be foreigners, while the other two were Zimbabwean nationals.
Randhawa is also the founder of the $4 billion private equity firm GEM Holdings.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police reports a plane crash which occurred on September 29 between 7.30 am and 8 am, resulting in the confirmed deaths of six individuals,” stated the police.
“The Murowa Diamond Company (RioZim)-owned white and red Zcam aircraft had departed from Harare for the mine at 6 am and crashed approximately 6 km from Mashava.”
RioZim has confirmed the crash and expressed its collaboration with relevant authorities to gather further information.
Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi, the spokesperson for the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), noted that they are still in the process of collecting additional details.
Meanwhile, the local community and law enforcement agencies are working together to manage the aftermath of this tragic plane crash.
This unfortunate event has sent shockwaves through the business and mining communities, leaving many in mourning for the loss of Randhawa, his son, and the other victims.
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Harpal Randhawa, the owner of Rio Zim,” said journalist and filmmaker Hopewell Chin’ono.
“I first met Harpal in 2017 through a mutual friend and businessman, Kalaa Mpinga, who owned Mwana Africa mines. We became friends, visiting each other, and also became walking partners, strolling on Sundays from Drew to Borrowdale race course. I learned a lot about the business world through him during our walks,” Chin’ono shared on X.
He described the Indian businessman as ‘generous’ and ‘very humble’.
“Through him, I met many people in the business, diplomatic, and political worlds. My thoughts are with his wife, family, friends, and the Rio Zim community,” he added.
