A helicopter crash in Marondera, Zimbabwe, has claimed the lives of six people, including prominent businessman Wicknell Chivayo and his wife Lucy Muteke. The accident occurred on October 1, 2026, when the aircraft, which had departed from Chivayo's rural home in Gandami, Chikomba, crashed approximately 40 minutes after takeoff. The helicopter was headed towards Harare when it went down at Kudenga Farm.
Emergency responders and security officers sealed off the crash site overnight as authorities began securing the area and investigating the accident. The bodies of the six victims remained at the scene until Thursday morning before being transported to local mortuaries. The victims suffered severe burns and would require formal identification, according to Police spokesperson Paul Nyathi.
Images from the scene showed a long stretch of scorched grass where the helicopter had travelled across the ground following the impact. Large sections of the aircraft were scattered across the field, including parts of the wings and tail. The extent of the destruction was revealed through broadcast images, showing the devastating impact of the crash.
Wicknell Chivayo, 45, was a well-known figure in Zimbabwe, famous for his extravagant displays of wealth and generosity. He had built his profile through various commercial ventures and state-linked contracts. Chivayo was estimated to have given away about US$60 million through cash donations, houses, and more than 150 luxury vehicles to beneficiaries including musicians, sports teams, church leaders, and individuals involved in community initiatives.
Despite his fame, Chivayo faced legal challenges during his career, including fraud charges linked to the Gwanda Solar Project. He was acquitted in 2024, while anti-corruption investigations into separate transactions reportedly did not establish wrongdoing. In recent years, Chivayo expanded his business interests beyond Zimbabwe, including ventures and infrastructure-related investments in East Africa.
Family spokesperson Herbert Chivayo confirmed the deaths of the businessman and his wife to ZBC News. The cause of the crash had not been established, with investigators remaining at Kudenga Farm as authorities worked to establish what led to the fatal accident.
Chivayo had also made headlines recently for a courtesy call on President William Ruto of Kenya. His death, along with that of his wife and four others, has sent shockwaves through the business community.
Key points
- Wicknell Chivayo, a prominent Zimbabwean businessman, was killed in a helicopter crash along with five others.
- The helicopter crashed approximately 40 minutes after departing from Chivayo's rural home, headed towards Harare.
- Chivayo was known for his extravagant displays of wealth and generosity, having given away an estimated US$60 million.
