In brief
The crash of a helicopter over Marondera on Wednesday afternoon killed Zimbabwean business magnate Wicknell Chivayo, his wife Lucy Muteke, and four others. Authorities reported that the helicopter took off from Gandami in Chikomba and crashed after about 40 minutes. Chivayo, known for his expansive wealth and controversial state contracts, had been building a rural home nearby. The causes of the crash are still under investigation, and emergency services were dispatched to the site. The tragedy has sent shockwaves through Zimbabwe’s political and business circles.
Prominent Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo and his wife Lucy Muteke went missing when a helicopter they were aboard crashed in the rural Marondera region, about 70 kilometres east of Harare. The incident took place on Wednesday evening and all six passengers on board were fatalities.
Family spokesperson Herbert Chivayo confirmed the deaths to the state broadcaster ZBC and expressed profound grief over the loss. Authorities have not yet identified the remaining passengers, though it was reported that two pilots were among the deceased.
Chivayo, a long‑standing figure in Zimbabwe’s business landscape, was noted for his extravagant estate tours, close ties to several African presidents and a portfolio of government contracts that sparked legal scrutiny. He frequently portrayed himself as a philanthropist, yet faced investigations over the procurement processes for projects such as a multibillion‑dollar solar venture and controversial election‑related contracts.
The helicopter had departed Gandami in Chikomba, where Chivayo and his wife were building a rural residence. The crash occurred at Kudenga Farm, approximately 40 minutes after take‑off, at about 5:00 p.m. local time. Police released statements that the cause of the accident was unknown, and officials are conducting an investigation.
Emergency services were dispatched following the incident, and the crash site remains under police control. Zimbabwe’s anti‑corruption commission remains on standby to further investigate any potential links to Chivayo’s business activities. The event has raised questions about aviation safety for high‑profile individuals and the regulatory oversight of private helicopters in the region.
