Zimbabwe businessman Wicknell Chivayo and his wife Lucy Muteke died on Wednesday when their helicopter crashed about 70km east of Harare, in a rural area near Marondera. Six people on board were killed, police confirmed.
The accident happened at around 17:00 local time as the helicopter was travelling from Gandami in Chikomba, where the couple were building a rural home, to Kudenga Farm. Two pilots were among the casualties.
Chivayo, known for flashy displays of wealth and close ties to several African leaders, had a controversial business career. He secured lucrative government contracts, including a $172m solar‑panel project for Zimbabwe Power, but has faced investigations into the procurement of materials for the 2023 elections.
Despite accusations, the anti‑corruption commission cleared him of wrongdoing in 2025. He was often referred to by the self‑applied title “Sir Wicknell” in social media posts, although he never received an official knighthood.
Family spokesperson Herbert Chivayo expressed deep grief and called the tragedy “a loss for the family.” The cause of the crash remains unknown, and police have opened an investigation.
African leaders, including Kenya’s President William Ruto, paid tribute to the entrepreneur, citing his friendship and dedication to the continent’s progress.
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