Zimbabwean Tycoon Wicknell Chivayo and Wife Die in Helicopter Crash
Prominent Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo and his wife Lucy Muteke were killed in a helicopter crash near Harare, claiming six lives.
Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo and his wife, Lucy Muteke, have died in a helicopter crash that claimed six lives in the Marondera rural area, approximately 70 km (43 miles) east of the capital, Harare. The incident occurred on Wednesday evening, with all six occupants on board confirmed dead. A family spokesperson, Herbert Chivayo, confirmed the deaths to state broadcaster ZBC, expressing the family's devastation.
Highlights
- The helicopter crash took place on Wednesday evening, around 17:00 local time, in rural Marondera.
- Six people, including Chivayo and his wife, died in the crash; two of the occupants were identified as pilots.
- Chivayo was known for his extravagant lifestyle, close ties to African leaders, and controversial government contracts.
- Kenyan President William Ruto paid tribute to Chivayo as a "dear friend" and offered condolences.
- The cause of the crash is currently unknown, and investigations are underway, with the helicopter's black box recovered from the scene.
Details
Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi stated that the cause of the crash is not yet known, and investigations are ongoing. The helicopter reportedly crashed at Kudenga Farm, about 40 minutes after taking off from Gandami in Chikomba, where Chivayo and his wife were building a rural home. Aviation officials, led by Transport Minister Felix Mhona, visited the crash site to conduct investigations and successfully recovered the aircraft's intact black box.
George Mashababe, Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe, indicated that preliminary findings suggest fuel spilled upon impact, followed by a fire that burned grass at the crash site. Chivayo, managing director of Intratrek Zimbabwe, had gained a high public profile through government contracts, philanthropy, and displays of wealth on social media.
One of his most notable business ventures was a $172 million solar power project in Gwanda, awarded to Intratrek by the state-owned Zimbabwe Power Company, which became the subject of years of legal disputes. He also faced scrutiny over the procurement of materials for Zimbabwe's disputed 2023 elections, though an anti-corruption commission closed its inquiry in 2025, finding no evidence of wrongdoing by Chivayo.
Why it matters
Wicknell Chivayo's death marks a significant loss in the Zimbabwean and broader African business community. Known for his lavish lifestyle and political connections, Chivayo's sudden and tragic passing has sent shockwaves through both business circles and the public. The ongoing investigation into the crash's cause is also crucial for aviation safety standards.