The Zimbabwe Republic Police have released a revised statement confirming that prominent businessman Wicknell Chivayo was among five people aboard a helicopter that crashed at Kudenga Farm in Marondera on September 30, 2026. The police statement, signed by Commissioner Nyathi P, Chief Staff Officer for Press and Public Relations, was published on October 1, 2026. According to the police, there were no survivors in the crash. The statement listed the five occupants by name.
The five people identified as occupants of the crashed helicopter were Wicknell Munodaani Chivayo, his wife Lucy Rujeko Muteke, her aide Saneliswe Magagula, Calvin Tafirei Soda, the pilot, and Courage Mutavirwa, the co-pilot. This information represents a correction to an earlier police post that had placed the number of occupants at six. Authorities confirmed that investigations are ongoing and further details would be released as the inquiry progresses.
The helicopter crash occurred at approximately 1700 hours local time on September 30, 2026. According to Chivayo's senior security aide, Froster Chisi, changing weather conditions could have resulted in the crash. Chisi claimed that he observed communication between his pilot and Chivayo's pilot, and ten minutes before the crash, Chivayo's pilot appeared confused and was unaware of his location.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police extended condolences to the families of all those who perished in the crash. Wicknell Chivayo was one of Zimbabwe's most recognizable business figures, known for his flamboyant public profile and close associations with senior political figures in the country. His wife, Lucy Rujeko Muteke, was also a prominent figure.
Authorities have not verified Chisi's claims about the pilot's confusion before the crash. However, the police have confirmed that the investigation is ongoing. The police also found spotless white designer shoes among the wreckage of Chivayo's helicopter crash, which have prompted questions online.
The discovery of the shoes drew attention as the police said all the people aboard the flight died and their bodies were burned beyond recognition. As investigations continue, police are expected to confirm the owner of the shoes. The police have not released further details about the shoes or their significance to the investigation.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police have confirmed that they will release further details as the investigation progresses. The incident has raised questions about aviation safety in Zimbabwe.
Key points
- Wicknell Chivayo and his wife Lucy Rujeko Muteke were among the five people killed in the helicopter crash.
- The police revised an earlier figure that had stated six occupants were aboard, confirming that there were five people on board.
- Investigations into the cause of the crash are ongoing.
