Wicknell Chivayo, a 45-year-old Zimbabwean businessman, died in a helicopter crash on Wednesday in the Marondera Rural area east of Harare. The crash, which occurred at around 5pm, resulted in the deaths of all six people on board, including Chivayo's wife, Lucy Muteke, known as Lulu. The cause of the crash is currently unknown, and police officers were at the scene investigating.
The Zimbabwean government confirmed the crash, but did not initially release the names of the victims. Nick Mangwana, permanent secretary in the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, said in a statement that the government would extend its condolences to the victims' families. Mangwana confirmed that there were no survivors in the crash and that the Zimbabwe Republic Police would release the victims' names in due course.
Chivayo was a well-known and divisive figure in Zimbabwe, having made his name through state contracts and a public display of wealth, including expensive cars and large gifts to various individuals and organizations. His business career was marked by several legal battles, including an arrest in 2011 on eight counts of fraud and money laundering, and multiple rounds of prosecution over a state power contract awarded to his company, Intratrek Zimbabwe.
Despite the controversies surrounding his business dealings, Chivayo had expanded his operations beyond Zimbabwe in recent years. In June, his company, IMC Construction Kenya, secured a stake in a proposed $2.9 billion infrastructure expansion in Kenya. Chivayo had also built close ties with Kenyan President William Ruto, and was known to have a large following on social media, where he regularly posted about his business deals and philanthropic activities.
Chivayo's death was first reported by ZimLive, which stated that he and his wife were among the six people killed in the crash. Other news outlets, including NewZimbabwe.com and Zimbabwean journalist Hopewell Chin'ono, also confirmed the reports. The Zimbabwean government has extended its condolences to the victims' families, with Mangwana expressing his deepest sympathies during this difficult time.
Chivayo's business dealings and philanthropy had earned him both praise and criticism. While some referred to him as "Sir Wicknell" due to his charitable activities, others accused him of profiting from his close ties to the government. Chivayo had repeatedly denied any wrongdoing and defended his wealth and philanthropy. In December 2025, the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission found no evidence directly implicating him in a separate transaction it had investigated.
The investigation into the helicopter crash is ongoing, with police officers still at the scene gathering evidence. The Zimbabwean government has promised to release further details once they are established. Chivayo's death has sparked an outpouring of tributes and condolences from his followers and business associates, who have taken to social media to express their shock and sadness at the news of his passing.
Key points
- Wicknell Chivayo, a Zimbabwean businessman with ties to Kenyan President William Ruto, died in a helicopter crash in Zimbabwe on September 30, 2026.
- The crash, which occurred in the Marondera Rural area east of Harare, resulted in the deaths of all six people on board, including Chivayo's wife, Lucy Muteke.
- Chivayo was a well-known and divisive figure in Zimbabwe, having made his name through state contracts and a public display of wealth, and had expanded his operations beyond Zimbabwe in recent years.
