Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo killed in helicopter crash

Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo , his wife Lucy Muteke and four other people have died after a private helicopter crashed in a rural area east of Harare, according to Zimbabwean authorities and local media. The helicopter reportedly took off from Gandami in Chikomba district, where Chivayo grew up and where he and his wife were building a home. About 40 minutes later, it crashed at Kudenga Farm near Marondera, around 70 kilometres southeast of Harare. Government spokesperson Nick Mangwana said there were no survivors . Investigators and forensic experts were sent to the crash site on

Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo, his wife Lucy Muteke and four other people have died after a private helicopter crashed in a rural area east of Harare, according to Zimbabwean authorities and local media. The helicopter reportedly took off from Gandami in Chikomba district, where Chivayo grew up and where he and his wife were building a home. About 40 minutes later, it crashed at Kudenga Farm near Marondera, around 70 kilometres southeast of Harare. Government spokesperson Nick Mangwana said there were no survivors. Investigators and forensic experts were sent to the crash site on Thursday as authorities began examining the circumstances surrounding the accident. George Mashababe, director-general of Zimbabwe’s Civil Aviation Authority, told The Herald that preliminary indications suggested the helicopter’s tail struck the ground first. He said the impact caused fuel to spill, followed by a fire. Chivayo, who was in his 40s, was the founder of Intratrek Zimbabwe, a company involved in major energy projects, including the long-delayed 100-megawatt Gwanda solar project. Beyond Zimbabwe, Chivayo had expanded his business interests into other parts of Africa. In June, Eswatini’s King Mswati III granted him citizenship and a diplomatic passport. Chivayo subsequently announced plans for a 300MW solar project in the country. He was also a prominent and controversial figure on social media, where he used the name “Sir Wicknell” and regularly displayed luxury cars, designer clothing and expensive gifts. Chivayo maintained relationships with several African political leaders. Kenyan President William Ruto described him as a close friend and expressed sadness following his death, while Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa said he was deeply shocked and grieving. The aviation investigation remains ongoing, with authorities expected to provide further details about the cause of the crash.