Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo and his wife, Lucy Muteke, have died in a helicopter crash in the Marondera area, east of Harare.
Chivayo, 43, was among those killed when the private helicopter crashed near Kudenga Farm on Wednesday, September 30, 2026. Zimbabwean authorities have confirmed that there were no survivors.
Reports initially gave conflicting figures on the number of people aboard the aircraft. Government officials and police first reported six people, while a later police statement cited five occupants who died. Reuters had earlier reported that the government spokesperson said seven people were aboard, including two pilots.
Chivayo’s wife, Lucy, was also among the victims. Zimbabwean authorities and forensic teams are working to formally identify the remains following the severity of the crash.
The helicopter reportedly crashed about 40 minutes after taking off from Gandami, where Chivayo and his wife were overseeing construction work at their rural property.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe said preliminary observations indicated that the helicopter struck the ground, causing fuel to spill and ignite. The exact cause of the crash remains under investigation, with investigators examining the aircraft’s black box.
A security aide travelling in another helicopter said the aircraft encountered difficult weather conditions shortly before the crash. He said Chivayo’s pilot had reported being in bad weather and unable to exit the clouds. However, authorities have not established weather as the official cause of the accident.
Chivayo was one of Zimbabwe’s most prominent and controversial businessmen. He founded Intratrek Zimbabwe, which secured major government-linked energy contracts, including the long-delayed 100-megawatt Gwanda solar project.
He was also known for his lavish lifestyle, luxury vehicles and large cash and property giveaways, which he frequently displayed on social media.
His business dealings and political connections attracted considerable public attention. Reports have documented his close relationships with several African political leaders, including Zimbabwe’s Emmerson Mnangagwa, Kenya’s William Ruto and Nigeria’s Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
There have also been allegations and controversies surrounding some of his business dealings. However, available reports do not establish that Chivayo was an IT specialist who rigged African elections or laundered money for African leaders. Those claims should therefore not be presented as established facts.
Chivayo visited Nigeria in October 2025 and was photographed meeting President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja during an investment-related visit. Reports said the engagement involved discussions around economic partnerships and investment opportunities.
His death has prompted reactions across Africa, with Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Kenyan President William Ruto among those who expressed condolences.
The investigation into the helicopter crash is continuing as forensic experts work to formally identify the victims and determine what caused the aircraft to go down.
