A helicopter carrying prominent Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo and his wife Lucy Muteke crashed in the Marondera rural area, about 70km east of the capital, Harare, on Wednesday evening, resulting in the deaths of all six people on board. The helicopter, which was travelling from Gandami in Chikomba, crashed at Kudenga Farm about 40 minutes after take-off.
Family spokesperson Herbert Chivayo confirmed the deaths of the businessman and his wife to state broadcaster ZBC, saying the family was devastated by the tragedy. Chivayo was known for his lavish lifestyle, close ties to some African presidents, and lucrative government contracts that had repeatedly attracted scrutiny.
Chivayo, the managing director of Intratrek Zimbabwe, had built a high public profile through government contracts, philanthropy, and displays of wealth on social media. Among his best-known business ventures was a $172m solar power project in Gwanda awarded to Intratrek by the state-owned Zimbabwe Power Company.
The project became the subject of years of legal disputes. He also came under scrutiny over the procurement of materials for Zimbabwe's disputed 2023 elections. Zimbabwe's anti-corruption commission investigated allegations surrounding contracts awarded to South African company Ren-Form but closed the inquiry in 2025, saying it had found no evidence linking Chivayo or the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission to wrongdoing.
Chivayo was also known for giving away luxury cars and large sums of money to musicians, religious leaders, and other public figures, often publicising the gifts on social media. His connections extended beyond Zimbabwe, with Kenya's President William Ruto describing him as a "dear friend" and sending condolences to the families of those killed.
President Ruto remembered Chivayo for his friendship, energy, and deep conviction in the possibilities of the African continent. Chivayo frequently publicised his access to African leaders, posting photographs of meetings with presidents including Zambia's Hakainde Hichilema, South Africa's Cyril Ramaphosa, and Tanzania's Samia Suluhu Hassan, as well as Eswatini's King Mswati III.
The cause of the crash was not immediately known, and police said investigations were under way. Emergency services were sent to the scene on Wednesday evening. Government spokesman Nick Mangwana confirmed the crash, saying the helicopter was carrying "a prominent businessman, three other passengers, and two pilots", with no survivors.
Key points
- Wicknell Chivayo and his wife died in a helicopter crash in Marondera rural area.
- Chivayo was known for his lavish lifestyle and close ties to African presidents.
- The cause of the crash is under investigation.
