A helicopter crash in Zimbabwe's Marondera rural area has claimed the lives of six people, including prominent businessman Wicknell Chivayo and his wife Lucy Muteke. The incident occurred on Wednesday evening, approximately 70km east of the capital, Harare. According to police, the aircraft crashed at around 17:00 local time, and all occupants on board died.
Family spokesperson Herbert Chivayo confirmed the deaths of Wicknell Chivayo and his wife to state broadcaster ZBC, expressing the family's devastation. Chivayo was a well-known figure in Zimbabwe, recognized for his lavish lifestyle and close ties to several African presidents. His business dealings had attracted scrutiny, with allegations of wrongdoing that he had consistently denied.
The helicopter, which was traveling from Gandami in Chikomba to Kudenga Farm, crashed just 40 minutes after take-off. Government officials reported that two of the six occupants were pilots. The cause of the crash remains unknown, with police investigations underway. Emergency services were promptly dispatched to the scene on Wednesday evening.
Government spokesman Nick Mangwana confirmed the crash, stating that the helicopter carried "a prominent businessman, three other passengers, and two pilots". He noted that there were no survivors in the crash. Chivayo was the managing director of Intratrek Zimbabwe and had built a high public profile through government contracts and philanthropy.
Chivayo was known for his high-profile business ventures, including a $172m solar power project in Gwanda awarded to Intratrek by the state-owned Zimbabwe Power Company. The project was subject to years of legal disputes. Additionally, he faced scrutiny over the procurement of materials for Zimbabwe's disputed 2023 elections, with investigations ultimately finding no evidence of wrongdoing.
Beyond Zimbabwe, Chivayo had connections with several African leaders, including Kenya's President William Ruto, who paid tribute to him as a "dear friend". Ruto remembered Chivayo for his friendship, energy, and deep conviction in the continent's possibilities. Chivayo frequently used the title "Sir Wicknell" publicly, although he was never officially granted a British knighthood.
Chivayo's philanthropic efforts often made headlines, as he gave away luxury cars and large sums of money to musicians, religious leaders, and other public figures, frequently publicizing the gifts on social media. His legacy and business dealings will likely continue to be scrutinized in the coming days.
Key points
- Wicknell Chivayo and his wife Lucy Muteke were killed in a helicopter crash east of Harare on Wednesday evening.
- The cause of the crash remains unknown, with police investigations ongoing.
- Chivayo was a prominent businessman with high-profile connections and government contracts.
