Indian billionaire Harpal Randhawa, a prominent mining magnate, and his 22-year-old son Amer were among the six individuals tragically killed in a plane crash in Zimbabwe on September 29.
The incident occurred when their private plane experienced a technical fault and crashed near a diamond mine in southwestern Zimbabwe.
Harpal Randhawa was widely known as the owner of RioZim, a diversified mining company with interests in gold and coal production, as well as nickel and copper refining. He had also established the $4-billion private equity firm GEM Holdings.
The father and son were traveling in a Cessna 206 aircraft, which was privately owned by RioZim. Their intended route was from Harare to the Murowa diamond mine. The single-engined aircraft crashed near the Murowa Diamonds mine, a facility partly owned by RioZim. All passengers and crew on board lost their lives in the crash.
Filmmaker Hopewell Chin'ono, a close friend of Harpal Randhawa, expressed his condolences for their untimely passing on social media, saying, "I am deeply saddened by the passing of Harpal Randhawa, the owner of RioZim, who died in a plane crash in Zvishavane. Five other people, including his son, who was also a pilot but a passenger on this flight, also died in the crash."
Chinono also praised Randhawa's character, mentioning his generosity in providing life advice and his humility despite his substantial wealth. He acknowledged Randhawa's role in introducing him to influential figures in the business, diplomatic, and political arenas.
The filmmaker further conveyed his sympathy to Randhawa's family, friends, and the RioZim community, acknowledging Randhawa's enduring legacy in Zimbabwe.
Local community, authorities, and law enforcement agencies are collaborating to manage the aftermath of the plane crash.