Indian billionaire mining magnate Harpal Randhawa and his 22-year-old son Amer were among six people who died in a plane crash in Zimbabwe on September 29, according to a PTI report. The tragic incident occurred when their private plane crashed near a diamond mine in southwest Zimbabwe following a technical glitch
Notably, Harpal Randhawa is the owner of RioZim, a diversified mining company that produces gold and coal and refines nickel and copper. Mr. Randhawa also founded the $4 billion private equity firm GEM Holdings.
The mining magnate and his son were traveling in a Cessna 206 aircraft privately owned by RioZim. They were on their way from Harare to the Murowa diamond mine when the accident occurred. The single-engine plane crashed near the Murowa Diamonds mine, part-owned by RioZim. All passengers and crew members on board died in the accident.
Filmmaker Hopewell Chinono, a friend of Mr Randhawa, mourned his death on Other people, including his son, who was also a pilot, and a passenger on that flight died in the crash.”
Here is the tweet:
I am deeply saddened by the death of Harpal Randhawa, the owner of Rio Zim, who died in a plane crash in Zvishavane today.
Five other people, including his son, who was also a pilot, and a passenger on that flight were killed in the crash.
I first met Harpal in 2017 through… pic.twitter.com/A0AGOaR3sw
— Hopewell Chin’ono (@daddyhope) September 29, 2023
“He was very generous with life advice and very humble for the wealthy man that he was.” Through him I met many people in business, diplomacy and politics. My thoughts are with his wife, his family, his friends and the community of Rio Zim. Rest in peace, your works and your love for Zimbabwe will be your lasting legacy,” he added.
Mr Chinono also posted a tweet informing about the memorial service for the father-son duo.
The family of Harpal Randhawa, who died in a plane crash on Friday along with his son Amer, respectfully invites all his friends and associates to celebrate his life and that of his son Amer at a memorial service on Wednesday, October 4, 2023 Celebrate Raintree.
Arrival time is 3:00 p.m.… pic.twitter.com/cWF0kPhe7G
— Hopewell Chin’ono (@daddyhope) October 1, 2023
Meanwhile, the local community and law enforcement are working together to deal with the aftermath of the plane crash.