Lucky Obukohwo Reporting
Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo and his wife, Lucy Muteke, have died alongside four others after a private helicopter crashed in a rural area southeast of Harare.
The helicopter crashed on Wednesday near Kudenga Farm, outside Marondera, about 70km (45 miles) southeast of the Zimbabwean capital.
It went down roughly 40 minutes after taking off from Gandami in Chikomba district, where Chivayo grew up and was reportedly building a home with his wife.
Government spokesperson Nick Mangwana confirmed that there were no survivors.
Herbert Chivayo, a family spokesperson, also confirmed the deaths to Zimbabwe’s state broadcaster, ZBC and quoted by Truth Live News Media.
Investigators and forensic experts arrived at the crash site on Thursday as authorities began examining the circumstances surrounding the accident.
Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona was among senior officials expected to visit the scene.
George Mashababe, director-general of the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe, told The Herald that preliminary indications suggested the helicopter’s tail struck the ground first.
He said the impact caused fuel to spill, with the resulting fire spreading across the ground.
Mashababe stressed that the investigation was still under way and that authorities would issue a fuller statement once more information became available.
Chivayo, who was in his 40s, was the founder of Intratrek Zimbabwe, a company involved in major energy projects, including the long-delayed 100-megawatt Gwanda solar project.
His business interests also extended beyond Zimbabwe.
In June, Eswatini’s King Mswati III granted Chivayo citizenship and a diplomatic passport.
Chivayo subsequently announced plans for a 300MW solar power project in the kingdom.
Beyond his business activities, Chivayo was a prominent figure on social media, where he presented a lavish lifestyle under the name “Sir Wicknell”.
His posts featuring luxury vehicles, expensive purchases and gifts to associates attracted widespread attention, as well as criticism.
A 2025 report by Zimbabwean newspaper The Standard estimated that Chivayo had spent about $9.3 million on vehicles and other gifts for associates.
News of his death also prompted tributes from outside Zimbabwe.
Kenyan President William Ruto described Chivayo as “a dear friend whose warmth touched many people”.
In a post on X, Ruto said he would remember Chivayo for his friendship, energy and belief in Africa’s potential, while extending his condolences to Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa and the people of Zimbabwe.
The crash investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to establish the exact cause of the accident.
