Wicknell Chivayo, a high-profile Zimbabwean businessman known for his wealth and political connections, and his wife Lucy Muteke have died in a helicopter crash that claimed the lives of six people. The incident occurred on Wednesday evening in the Marondera rural district, located approximately 70 kilometers east of the capital, Harare.
Police Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed that the aircraft went down around 17:00 local time with six individuals on board, including two pilots. Authorities stated that emergency services responded to the scene, but there were no survivors. While officials have not yet formally identified all passengers, government spokesperson Nick Mangwana verified that the helicopter was carrying a prominent businessman, three other passengers, and two crew members.
According to state broadcaster ZBC, the group had departed from Gandami in Chikomba, where Chivayo and his wife were constructing a rural residence. The crash took place at Kudenga Farm roughly 40 minutes after takeoff. The family, speaking through spokesperson Herbert Chivayo, expressed profound grief to ZBC, describing their devastation at the loss.
Chivayo, the managing director of Intratrek Zimbabwe, maintained a significant public profile through government contracts, philanthropy, and lavish displays of wealth on social media. He was frequently referred to as “Sir Wicknell,” a title he adopted publicly despite never receiving a British knighthood.
His business portfolio included a $172 million solar power project in Gwanda, which was awarded by the state-owned Zimbabwe Power Company and became the center of prolonged legal disputes. He also faced scrutiny regarding procurement contracts for the 2023 elections. An investigation by Zimbabwe’s anti-corruption commission into allegations involving South African firm Ren-Form was closed in 2025 with no evidence linking Chivayo or the electoral commission to wrongdoing.
Chivayo was widely recognized for his connections across the continent, frequently sharing images with leaders such as South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa, Zambia’s Hakainde Hichilema, Tanzania’s Samia Suluhu Hassan, and Eswatini’s King Mswati III. He was also known for publicly gifting luxury vehicles and money to musicians and religious figures.
Kenyan President William Ruto, who had previously been photographed with Chivayo, honored him as a “dear friend” and extended condolences to the families of those who perished. “I will remember him for his friendship, his energy and his deep conviction in the possibilities of our continent,” Ruto said. While Kenyan opposition figures had previously questioned Chivayo’s access to State House, regional leaders continued to acknowledge their personal ties following the news of the crash.
Investigations into the cause of the accident are currently underway.
Rest in peace. It’s sad to see such prominent business leaders lost in aviation accidents. Prayers for the families.
From rural construction sites to regional politics, his life was incredibly full. A sudden and stark end to such a vibrant presence.
Does anyone know the exact cause yet? It happened so quickly after takeoff from Chikomba. Hope there’s a thorough investigation.
So many powerful figures knew him well. The cross-border condolences highlight just how deep his regional connections ran.
Shocking news. I remember reading about his solar project controversy last year. Tragedy for everyone involved.