Zimbabwe businessman Wicknell Chivayo killed in helicopter crash

What the report says

Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo died in a private helicopter crash in a rural area east of Harare, Al Jazeera reported on 1 October 2026, citing state broadcaster ZBC and other officials. His wife, Lucy Muteke, and four others were also killed, bringing the death toll to six. Authorities said the aircraft went down about 40 minutes after takeoff near Kudenga Farm, close to Marondera, and government spokesperson Nick Mangwana said there were no survivors.

According to the report, the group had departed from Gandami in Chikomba district, where Chivayo grew up and where he and his wife were building a home. Zimbabwean investigators and forensic experts were sent to the crash site, and the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe said initial signs suggested the helicopter’s tail struck the ground first before fuel ignited. The inquiry was still under way, with a full statement expected later.

Chivayo was known in Zimbabwe for his business interests and political connections. He founded Intratrek Zimbabwe and was linked to large energy projects, including the delayed Gwanda solar project. He also became a prominent public figure on social media, where he showcased a lavish lifestyle. Al Jazeera noted that he had recently received Eswatini citizenship and a diplomatic passport, and that he had announced plans for a major solar project there.

The deaths prompted tributes, including from Kenyan President William Ruto, who described Chivayo as a close friend and offered condolences to Zimbabwe and President Emmerson Mnangagwa.