CHIVAYO DIES IN HELICOPTER CRASH

Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo and his wife, Lucy Muteke, have died after a helicopter crashed in the Marondera Rural area, southeast of Harare, on Wednesday evening, September 30, 2026.

The aircraft went down at about 5pm local time. Zimbabwean police initially confirmed that six people were aboard, while a government statement briefly gave a different passenger count before being corrected. Subsequent reports further revealed that the helicopter was carrying six people, including Chivayo, three other passengers and two pilots. There were no survivors.

Zimbabwean authorities initially withheld the identities of the victims as efforts were made to formally identify those killed. Police spokesperson Paul Nyathi said responders were at the scene and that the victims had been badly burned, making identification necessary before their names could be officially released.

Hours later, Chivayo's family confirmed that the businessman and his wife were among those who died.

Family spokesperson Herbert Chivayo told ZBC News that the family was struggling to process the sudden loss.

«“We are at a loss for words after the tragic incident.”»

The cause of the crash had not been established at the time of reporting, with authorities expected to investigate what happened before the helicopter went down.

Chivayo, widely known as “Sir Wicknell”, was one of Zimbabwe's most recognisable businessmen. He founded Intratrek Zimbabwe, a company involved in energy and infrastructure projects, and built a public profile around major business dealings, philanthropy and an extravagant lifestyle.

His career, however, was not without controversy. His business dealings, particularly government-linked contracts including the Gwanda Solar Project, attracted public scrutiny and legal proceedings over the years.
He denied wrongdoing and was ultimately acquitted in a case connected to the project. His business and political connections also drew allegations concerning public procurement and election financing, which he denied.

Beyond business, Chivayo became known for highly publicised donations, expensive gifts and frequent appearances with prominent political, religious and entertainment figures.

He maintained particularly visible links with Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa and had become increasingly familiar in regional political and business circles.

In Kenya, Chivayo's relationship with President William Ruto had attracted considerable attention throughout 2026.

The Zimbabwean businessman made several appearances alongside Ruto, including engagements at State House and at the President's private residence in Kilgoris. He was also among the high-profile guests associated with celebrations surrounding Ruto's daughter Charlene.

The relationship became a subject of renewed attention after Chivayo's death, with Ruto issuing a condolence message in the early hours of Thursday.

Ruto described Chivayo as a “dear friend” and recalled his warmth, energy and belief in Africa's potential.

«“I am deeply saddened by the tragic passing of my friend, Wicknell Chivayo.”»

Ruto also extended his condolences to Chivayo's family, President Mnangagwa and the people of Zimbabwe, as well as the families of the other victims.

Chivayo's regional connections were not limited to Kenya. Reports and social-media records also showed interactions with other African leaders, including Tanzania's Samia Suluhu Hassan, Uganda's Yoweri Museveni and Eswatini's King Mswati III.

His death has also attracted attention in Eswatini, where reports said he had recently acquired citizenship and a diplomatic passport.

His growing links to the Kingdom had coincided with discussions around investment opportunities, including proposed renewable-energy projects. His expanding regional business interests had therefore made him a figure whose activities extended beyond Zimbabwe.

Chivayo had also remained active in the public eye through social media, where he frequently showcased his business activities, wealth, philanthropy and meetings with prominent figures.

As news of the crash spread, attention quickly turned to Chivayo's recent social-media activity.

One of his final widely circulated posts showed him at a religious gathering with the caption “The bigger preacher”. The post attracted thousands of reactions before reports of his death emerged. Followers later returned to the post, giving it a new significance in light of the tragedy.

A separate social-media exchange from 2025 also resurfaced after his death. In the exchange, a woman identified as Susan had warned Chivayo that his “days were numbered”. The conversation later spread online because of its apparent connection to the circumstances of his death.

However, the resurfaced exchange is simply an old social-media interaction; there is no evidence establishing that the post predicted or caused the crash.

Chivayo's death brings to an abrupt end the public life of a businessman who had become known far beyond Zimbabwe's corporate circles.

From energy and infrastructure deals to high-profile political relationships, philanthropy and an unusually visible social-media presence, his career had made him a familiar figure across Southern and East Africa.

For now, attention remains on the investigation into the Marondera crash and the identification of the other victims.

Authorities have confirmed that there were no survivors, while Chivayo's family has asked for space to grieve the businessman and his wife as Zimbabwe comes to terms with the loss.