Renowened Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo and his wife, Lucy Muteke, were among six people killed when a helicopter crashed in the Marondera Rural area, southeast of Harare, on Wednesday evening, according to his family and Zimbabwean authorities.
Family spokesperson Herbert Chivayo confirmed the deaths to Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC), saying the family was devastated by the tragedy.
The helicopter crashed at around 5 p.m. local time in the Marondera district, about 70 kilometres east of Harare. Zimbabwean officials said there were no survivors, while emergency teams and police were dispatched to the crash site, AP News reported.
Authoritiesin Harare initially provided differing descriptions of the number of people aboard, but police and subsequent reports said six people were on the aircraft, including Chivayo, his wife and two pilots. Police said efforts were underway to formally identify the victims.
The cause of the crash had not been established, with investigations expected to determine the circumstances surrounding the accident.
What you need to know about Chivayo
Chivayo, who was in his 40s, was one of Zimbabwe’s most prominent businessmen, with interests spanning energy, infrastructure and other sectors.
He founded Intratrek Zimbabwe, which has been involved in major energy projects, including the long-delayed 100-megawatt Gwanda Solar Project.
The project recently moved toward implementation after the Zimbabwe Power Company issued a formal Notice to Proceed to Intratrek earlier in September. The revised project was expected to cost less than $132 million, compared with the original $172 million contract, according to Billionaires.Africa.
Chivayo had also expanded his business interests beyond Zimbabwe. In June, he received Eswatini citizenship and a diplomatic passport from King Mswati III, after which he announced plans for a proposed 300-megawatt solar project in the kingdom.
His public profile extended beyond business, with Chivayo frequently documenting his activities, luxury purchases, philanthropy and meetings with prominent African figures on social media.
Chivayo’s Regional Profile
Chivayo was also known for his relationships with political and business figures across Africa. Kenyan President William Ruto publicly mourned Chivayo and his wife following news of the crash, describing the businessman as a friend and extending condolences to the victims’ families.
Chivayo’s business activities and political connections had previously attracted scrutiny in Zimbabwe, including allegations concerning public contracts and other dealings. He denied wrongdoing, and he was acquitted in 2024 in a case related to the Gwanda Solar Project, according to earlier reporting.
The fatal crash has prompted condolences from across the region as Zimbabwean authorities continue investigating the circumstances surrounding this dramatic accident.
