A helicopter crash in Zimbabwe's Marondera rural area, about 70km east of the capital Harare, claimed six lives on Wednesday evening. The aircraft, carrying six occupants, crashed at around 5pm local time, with no survivors. Zimbabwean police confirmed the incident, and government officials later verified that everyone on board had perished.
The victims included Zimbabwean billionaire Wicknell Chivayo and his wife, Lucy Muteke. Family spokesperson Herbert Chivayo confirmed their deaths to Zimbabwe's state broadcaster, ZBC. The couple was traveling from Gandami in Chikomba, where they were building a rural home, when the helicopter crashed at Kudenga Farm about 40 minutes after take-off.
The cause of the crash remains unknown, and police investigations are underway. Zimbabwean government spokesman Nick Mangwana had earlier confirmed the crash, stating that the helicopter carried "a prominent businessman, three other passengers, and two pilots." He noted that there were no survivors.
Wicknell Chivayo was the managing director of Intratrek Zimbabwe and gained fame for his lavish lifestyle, philanthropy, and high-profile connections across Africa. One of his notable business ventures was a $172m solar power project in Gwanda, awarded to Intratrek by the state-owned Zimbabwe Power Company.
Chivayo faced scrutiny over the procurement of materials for Zimbabwe's disputed 2023 elections. The country's anti-corruption commission investigated allegations involving contracts awarded to South African company Ren-Form but closed the inquiry in 2025, finding no evidence linking Chivayo or the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission to wrongdoing.
Chivayo was known for giving luxury cars and large sums of money to musicians, religious leaders, and other public figures, often publicizing the gifts on social media. His connections extended beyond Zimbabwe, with Kenyan President William Ruto describing him as a "dear friend" in a condolence message.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash and the identities of the other victims. Kenyan President William Ruto remembered Chivayo for his friendship, energy, and deep conviction in the possibilities of the African continent. Chivayo frequently shared photographs of meetings with African leaders, including Zambia's Hakainde Hichilema and South Africa's Cyril Ramaphosa.
Key points
- Wicknell Chivayo, a Zimbabwean billionaire, and his wife died in a helicopter crash in Zimbabwe's Marondera rural area on Wednesday evening.
- The cause of the crash remains unknown, and police investigations are underway.
- Chivayo was known for his lavish lifestyle, philanthropy, and high-profile connections across Africa.
