A devastating plane crash in southwestern Zimbabwe claimed the lives of Indian billionaire and mining magnate Harpal Randhawa and his 22-year-old son, Amer, along with four others on September 29, according to a PTI report. The tragic incident unfolded when their private plane experienced a technical fault, resulting in the fatal crash near a diamond mine.
Harpal Randhawa was widely known as the owner of RioZim, a diversified mining company that engages in the production of gold and coal, as well as the refining of nickel and copper. He was also the founder of the successful private equity business, GEM Holdings, valued at $4 billion.
The ill-fated journey saw Harpal Randhawa and his son Amer traveling aboard a Cessna 206 aircraft, privately owned by RioZim. Their flight was en route from Harare to the Murowa diamond mine when the catastrophic accident occurred. The single-engined aircraft crashed near the Murowa Diamonds mine, which is partly owned by RioZim, claiming the lives of all passengers and crew on board.
The untimely demise of Harpal Randhawa sent shockwaves through his community and beyond. Close friend and filmmaker Hopewell Chinono expressed his condolences on X, saying, “I am deeply saddened with the passing of Harpal Randhawa, the owner of Rio Zim who died in a plane crash in Zvishavane. 5 other people including his son also died.” Chinono continued to praise Randhawa’s character, noting, “He was very generous with life advice, and very humble for the wealthy man that he was. 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. Rest in Peace, your works and love for Zimbabwe will be your lasting legacy.”
Chinono also shared information about a memorial service for the father-son duo, underlining the sense of loss and mourning felt by those who knew and respected them.
As the news of the tragic accident spread, the local community and law enforcement agencies have come together to manage the aftermath of the plane crash. The incident serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the profound impact that individuals like Harpal Randhawa can have on their communities and beyond.
Sources By Agencies
