The family of late Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo has taken its first formal step toward settling his estate after he died in a helicopter crash on September 30, 2026, alongside his wife, Lucy Muteke, in Marondera, Zimbabwe, leaving behind two minor children. According to reports, the family lodged Chivayo's estate with the Master of the High Court roughly three weeks after his death. Senior officials at the Master's Office confirmed both the registration and an initial meeting to begin discussions on how the process would unfold.
Wicknell Chivayo had once publicly stated he was worth more than $100 million, with his business portfolio covering several sectors, including energy contracts and the disputed Gwanda Solar Project. His commercial interests also extended into Kenya, where he had connections to a proposed expansion of the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. The estate is believed to be worth millions of US dollars, but its exact value remains unclear.
Despite the registration, no executor or executrix has been named to lead the administration of Chivayo's estate. This appointment is a critical requirement under Zimbabwean law, as the appointed individual would be responsible for cataloguing the deceased's assets, identifying outstanding debts, and distributing the estate to beneficiaries in line with legal requirements. Until that appointment is made, the administration process cannot move forward in full.
The estate faces additional complications from an unresolved matrimonial dispute involving Chivayo's former wife, Sonja Madzikanda. The case was before Zimbabwe's Supreme Court at the time of his death. Madzikanda was seeking a one-off payment of $25 million, monthly spousal support of $40,000, an annual lifestyle budget of $1 million, properties in both Harare and Johannesburg, and seven luxury vehicles.
Madzikanda maintained that she and Chivayo entered into a valid customary marriage in 2017 following the completion of lobola payments. Chivayo's legal team contested this position, arguing that the union was never formally registered. With his death, the status of that claim and how it may affect the estate's administration remains uncertain.
Earlier, reports emerged of a private chat screenshot attributed to the late businessman Wicknell Chivayo, including his claim that he spent more than $200 million on gifts. The figure remains unverified, but it has renewed scrutiny of Chivayo’s lavish giving and financial affairs. A separate dispute over a Range Rover he reportedly offered to a lawyer has also raised questions about the vehicle’s paperwork.
The appointment of an executor is now considered the most pressing next step as the legal process around Chivayo's estate continues to take shape. The family is expected to work closely with the Master's Office to ensure a smooth administration process. Key points to watch include the appointment of an executor, the resolution of the matrimonial dispute, and the eventual distribution of Chivayo's assets to his beneficiaries.
Key points
- Wicknell Chivayo's estate has been registered with Zimbabwe's Master of the High Court.
- The estate faces complications from an unresolved matrimonial dispute involving Chivayo's former wife.
- The appointment of an executor is a critical next step in the administration process.
