The accident occurred when their private plane crashed near a diamond mine
Indian billionaire and mining tycoon Harpal Randhawa and his 22-year-old son Aamir were among six people who died in a plane crash in Zimbabwe on September 29, according to a PTI report. The tragic accident occurred when their private plane crashed near a diamond mine in southwest Zimbabwe after suffering a technical malfunction.
Notably, Harpal Randhawa is the owner of RioZim, a diversified mining company that produces gold and coal in addition to refining nickel and copper. Mr. Randhawa also founded the $4 billion private equity firm GEM Holdings.
The mining magnate and his son were traveling on a Cessna 206 plane, privately owned by RioZim. They were on their way from Harare to the Muruwa diamond mine when the accident occurred. The single-engine plane crashed near the Murowa Diamonds mine, which is partly owned by RioZim. All passengers and crew died in the accident.
Director Hopewell Chin’ono, a friend of Mr Randhawa, offered condolences on his death on 5 other people including his son who was also a pilot, but one of the passengers on this flight also died in the accident.
Here is the tweet:
I am deeply saddened by the death of Harpal Randhawa, owner of Rio Zim who died today in a plane crash in Zvishavane.
5 other people including his son who was also a pilot, but one of the passengers on this flight also died in the accident.
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 he was. Through him I met many people in the world of business, diplomacy and politics. My thoughts are with his wife, family, friends and the Rio Zim community. Rest in peace, your actions and love for Zimbabwe will be your lasting legacy.
Mr Chin’ono also posted a tweet on Twitter to inform about the memorial service for the father-son duo.
The family of Harpal Randhawa who died along with his son Aamir on Friday in a plane crash, respectfully invite all his friends and associates to celebrate his life and that of his son Aamir at a memorial service at Raintree on Wednesday, October 4, 2023.
Arrival time is 3pm.… pic.twitter.com/cWF0kPhe7G
– Hopewell Chin’ono (@daddyhope) October 1, 2023
Meanwhile, the local community and law enforcement agencies are working together to manage the aftermath of the plane crash.
