Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa has confirmed that businessman Wicknell Chivayo and his wife, Lucy Muteke, died in a helicopter crash that occurred on Wednesday evening in the Marondera district, located southeast of the capital, Harare. All six individuals on board perished in the incident.
Initial reports from government officials were vague, with a spokesperson referring only to a “high-profile businessman” among four passengers. Police subsequently launched investigations, including DNA testing, to identify the victims, noting that the bodies had been severely damaged by fire.
In a tribute published online, President Mnangagwa described the event as a sudden shock to the nation. He praised the couple for their philanthropy, stating, “Consummately philanthropic, the Chivayo Family touches so many lives in our nation through its countless acts of charity and generosity which ran into millions of dollars.” Mnangagwa added that the tragedy was particularly poignant because the couple was returning from Gandami in rural Chikomba, where they were constructing modern community structures aligned with national development policies.
Herbert Chivayo, a family spokesperson, told state broadcaster ZBC that the 43-year-old tycoon and his wife were killed. “We are at a loss for words after the tragic news,” he said.
A Prominent but Controversial Figure
Wicknell Chivayo, who operated under the social media handle “Sir Wicknell,” was a well-known figure in Zimbabwe and across the continent. He cultivated close relationships with President Mnangagwa and the ruling ZANU-PF party, securing numerous lucrative government contracts. His connections extended to other African leaders, including South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa, Tanzania’s Samia Suluhu Hassan, Eswatini’s King Mswati III, and Kenya’s William Ruto.
Kenyan President Ruto honored his late friend, writing, “I will remember him for his friendship, his energy and his deep conviction in the possibilities of our continent.”
Chivayo was widely recognized for his ostentatious lifestyle, frequently sharing images of luxury cars, designer clothing, and high-value gifts bestowed upon associates, religious figures, and political allies. Critics often pointed to his wealth as an example of Zimbabwe’s small elite benefiting from state contracts in a country where median daily wages are estimated at less than US $5.
Throughout his career, Chivayo denied allegations of corruption. He faced multiple legal investigations, including a 2005 money laundering case and a 2018 arrest related to the alleged misuse of an advance payment for a solar power project. However, no convictions were secured; the 2018 case was dismissed five years later due to prosecutorial delays.
Six lives lost is heartbreaking. I wonder if the helicopter maintenance records will be part of the official investigation?
Tragic loss for Zimbabwe. The contrast between his public philanthropy and the country’s poverty is striking.