Zimbabwe tycoon Wicknell Chivayo and wife killed in helicopter crash

What the report says

Prominent Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo and his wife, Lucy Muteke, were killed when their helicopter crashed in the Marondera rural area, about 70km east of Harare, on Wednesday evening, according to BBC Africa. Police said all six people on board died, and officials said the aircraft was carrying two pilots and several passengers. The cause of the crash was not immediately known, and investigations were under way.

A family spokesperson confirmed the deaths to state broadcaster ZBC and said the family was devastated. Zimbabwean government officials also acknowledged the crash, while emergency services were sent to the scene. ZBC reported that Chivayo and his wife were travelling from Gandami in Chikomba, where they had been building a rural home, when the helicopter went down at Kudenga Farm roughly 40 minutes after take-off.

Chivayo was a high-profile figure in Zimbabwe, known for his lavish lifestyle, social media displays of wealth, and close ties to political leaders across Africa. He led Intratrek Zimbabwe and drew attention through major government-linked contracts, including a long-contested solar project in Gwanda. He had also faced public scrutiny over election procurement issues, though anti-corruption authorities later said they found no evidence linking him or the electoral commission to wrongdoing. His death is likely to draw attention because of his influence, controversies, and connections beyond Zimbabwe, including condolence messages from Kenyan President William Ruto.