Zimbabwe Helicopter Crash Kills Businessman Wicknell Chivayo and Five Others

Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo, his wife Lucy Muteke and four other people were killed when a private helicopter crashed at Kudenga Farm near Marondera, east of Harare.

The aircraft went down about 40 minutes after taking off from Gandami in Chikomba district, according to reports cited in the investigation. Marondera is approximately 70km southeast of Zimbabwe’s capital.

Government spokesperson Nick Mangwana said there were “no survivors”. Herbert Chivayo, speaking on behalf of the family, confirmed the deaths of Wicknell Chivayo, Lucy Muteke and four other people. The identities of the other victims have not been released.

Investigation under way

Forensic experts and investigators were sent to the crash site on Thursday morning, according to The Herald. Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona was among the senior officials expected to visit the area.

George Mashababe, director-general of the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe, said early indications suggested that the helicopter’s tail struck the ground first. He also said the impact caused fuel to spill, after which fire spread across the ground along the fuel.

Mashababe said the inquiry was continuing and that a full statement would be issued later. The cause of the crash had not been established.

Business career and public profile

Chivayo founded Intratrek Zimbabwe, a company involved in major energy projects, including the long-delayed 100-megawatt Gwanda solar project.

He was one of Zimbabwe’s best-known businessmen and cultivated a high-profile image on social media, where he styled himself as “Sir Wicknell” and posted about luxury purchases and gifts to friends. The Standard reported in 2025 that he had spent about $9.3m on vehicles and other gifts for associates.

Chivayo grew up in Gandami, where he and Muteke were building a home. In June, King Mswati III granted him Eswatini citizenship and a diplomatic passport. Chivayo subsequently announced plans for a 300MW solar project in Eswatini.

Tributes

Kenyan President William Ruto paid tribute to Chivayo, describing him as “a dear friend whose warmth touched many people”. Ruto also offered condolences to Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa and the people of Zimbabwe.