Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo, his wife Lucy Muteke and four others have been killed after a private helicopter crashed in a rural area east of Harare.
The group had taken off from Gandami in Chikomba district on Wednesday, where Chivayo grew up and where the couple were building a home. The helicopter came down about 40 minutes later at Kudenga Farm, near Marondera, around 70km south-east of the capital.
Government spokesperson Nick Mangwana said there were “no survivors”. Herbert Chivayo, speaking on behalf of the family, also confirmed the deaths to Zimbabwe’s state broadcaster.
Forensic experts and investigators were sent to the crash site on Thursday morning. Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona was among the senior officials expected to visit.
George Mashababe, director-general of the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe, said early indications suggested the helicopter’s tail struck the ground first. The impact caused fuel to spill, after which fire spread across the ground, he told the Herald.
Mr Mashababe said the investigation was continuing and that a full statement would be issued later.
Wicknell Chivayo’s business and public profile
Chivayo, who was in his 40s, founded Intratrek Zimbabwe, which has been involved in major energy projects including the long-delayed 100-megawatt Gwanda solar project.
His business interests also extended to Eswatini. In June, King Mswati III granted him citizenship and a diplomatic passport, after which Chivayo announced plans for a 300-megawatt solar project in the country.
He was widely known for presenting a lavish lifestyle on social media, where he styled himself “Sir Wicknell”. Posts about luxury purchases and gifts for friends attracted both admiration and criticism. A 2025 report in the Zimbabwean newspaper The Standard said he had spent about 9.3 million US dollars on vehicles and other gifts for associates.
Chivayo also maintained close relationships with politicians and influential figures across Africa. Kenyan President William Ruto described him as “a dear friend whose warmth touched many people”, and said he would remember his friendship, energy and belief in Africa’s potential.
Mr Ruto offered his condolences to Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa and the people of Zimbabwe.
