Wicknell Chivayo Killed in Zimbabwe Helicopter Crash

September 30, 2026

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Zimbabwe Tycoon Wicknell Chivayo Reportedly Killed in Helicopter Crash

Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo and his wife, Lucy Muteke, were among six people killed when a helicopter crashed near Marondera, Zimbabwe, on Wednesday evening.

Chivayo’s family has confirmed his death following the crash, while Zimbabwean authorities confirmed that there were no survivors.

Wicknell Chivayo Killed in Marondera Helicopter Crash

Wicknell Chivayo, the Zimbabwean businessman known for his lavish lifestyle and his ties to government contracts, died when a helicopter crashed in the Marondera Rural area, east of Harare.

His wife, Lucy Muteke, known as Lulu, was also among those killed.

The helicopter crashed at about 5 p.m. on Wednesday, with six people on board, according to Zimbabwean police.

Government Confirms Fatal Zimbabwe Helicopter Crash

The government confirmed the crash but initially did not name the victims.

“The government wishes to confirm that a helicopter crash has occurred, involving one high-profile businessman, three other passengers, and two pilots,” Nick Mangwana, permanent secretary in the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, said in a statement.

“Current information indicates that there were no survivors in this crash.”

Police said emergency teams attended the scene, while authorities said further details would be released after the victims were formally identified.

Wicknell Chivayo and Wife Lucy Muteke

Chivayo’s family later confirmed that he and his wife Lucy Muteke were among those killed in the crash.

The cause of the helicopter crash was not immediately known, and investigations are expected to establish what happened before the aircraft went down.

The government extended its condolences to the victims’ families.

“We extend our deepest condolences and prayers to the victims, their families, and their friends during this difficult time,” Mangwana said.

Who Was Wicknell Chivayo?

Chivayo, 45, was one of Zimbabwe’s best-known businessmen.

Born on Nov. 22, 1980, in Chivhu, he made his name through state contracts and a very public display of wealth, including expensive cars and large gifts to musicians, journalists, sports organizations and members of the security forces.

His admirers called him “Sir Wicknell.” He was a declared supporter of the ruling ZANU-PF party, while critics accused him of benefiting from his closeness to the government.

He repeatedly denied wrongdoing and defended his wealth and philanthropy. His business career was also marked by legal battles.

In 2011, he was arrested on eight counts of fraud and money laundering. He later faced several rounds of prosecution over an advance payment for the Gwanda Solar Project, a state power contract awarded to his company Intratrek Zimbabwe, and was finally acquitted in 2024.

In December 2025, the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission said it had found no evidence directly implicating him in a separate transaction it had investigated.

Chivayo’s Business Links Beyond Zimbabwe

In recent years, Chivayo had expanded his business interests beyond Zimbabwe.

He was reported to have built close ties with Kenyan President William Ruto, and in June his company IMC Construction Kenya secured a stake in a proposed $2.9 billion infrastructure expansion in Kenya.

He had remained publicly active in the weeks before the crash, including on social media, where he regularly posted about his cars, gifts and business deals to a large following.