The family of Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo has publicly addressed the question of how his estate will be handled, revealing that the late mogul had expressed clear wishes during his lifetime about what should happen to his wealth. Chivayo died on September 30, 2026, when a helicopter he was travelling in crashed near Marondera, Zimbabwe, killing him and his wife Lucy Muteke. The tragedy drew an outpouring of condolences from business figures, political leaders, and members of the public.
On October 2, 2026, family spokesperson and Chivayo's uncle, Herbert Chivayo, addressed mourners gathered at the late businessman's Harare mansion. The gathering included relatives, religious leaders, government officials, and friends paying their respects to the couple. President Emmerson Mnangagwa was among the high-profile figures who attended. Herbert told mourners that Chivayo had been candid about his wishes while alive, stating plainly that his children should benefit most from whatever he left behind.
According to Herbert Chivayo, Wicknell Chivayo would often express his wishes to his family, saying, "If I die, ensure that my children get most of my wealth so that they will grow up to remember me." This clear directive from the late businessman aims to secure his children's futures. Herbert also made it clear that the family had no interest in pursuing wealth that belonged to the children, emphasizing that they are the rightful beneficiaries of their father's estate.
The family spokesperson dismissed any suggestion that other members of the extended Chivayo family might seek a share of the estate. Herbert Chivayo stated that the family is not greedy and will not go after the late family member's hard-earned wealth. The children, he stressed, are the sole rightful heirs and will get everything. This statement aims to put to rest any speculation about potential disputes over the estate.
Wicknell Chivayo was widely known for his flamboyant lifestyle and his connections to prominent figures across Africa. His death, alongside that of his wife, has left behind children whose futures will depend significantly on how his estate is managed in the period ahead. The family has not yet announced final burial arrangements for Chivayo and his wife, with funeral preparations still ongoing.
Earlier reports indicated that a security aide attached to Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo gave a harrowing account of the last radio transmissions made by a pilot before the helicopter crash that killed five people on September 30, 2026. The aide, who was aboard a separate helicopter on the same return journey, said conditions in the sky deteriorated sharply while both aircraft were in the air.
The pilot carrying Chivayo suggested rerouting through Bromley to avoid the worsening weather. The circumstances surrounding the crash are still being investigated. As the family moves forward with managing Wicknell Chivayo's estate, they are focused on fulfilling his wishes and ensuring the well-being of his children. The business community and government officials continue to offer their support during this challenging time.
Key points
- Wicknell Chivayo's children will be the primary beneficiaries of his estate, as per his expressed wishes.
- The family has ruled out any competition over the estate, confirming that the children are the sole rightful heirs.
- Funeral preparations for Wicknell Chivayo and his wife are still ongoing, with no final burial arrangements announced yet.
