BREAKING: Wicknell Chivayo killed in helicopter crash

Zimbabwean business tycoon Wicknell Chivayo and his wife, Lucy “Lulu” Muteke, have been killed in a helicopter crash near Marondera, east of Harare, on Wednesday evening.

Family spokesperson Herbert Chivayo confirmed their deaths to state broadcaster ZBC News. The helicopter crashed in the Marondera Rural area at around 5pm.

Government spokesperson Nick Mangwana said the aircraft was carrying a high-profile businessman, three other passengers and two pilots.

“Current information indicates that there were no survivors in this crash,” Mangwana said, adding that police would formally release the victims’ names in due course.

Chivayo was known for gifting expensive vehicles to prophets, pastors and politicians, and for displaying his wealth and relationships with African presidents. His proximity to political power and involvement in government contracts also made him a controversial figure.

One of his most contentious deals was the US$172.8 million Gwanda Solar Project, awarded to his company Intratrek Zimbabwe in 2015. A parliamentary visit in March 2024 found the site overgrown, with deteriorating structures and only one solar panel used for security lighting. Chivayo was acquitted of charges linked to the project in 2023 after the prosecution failed to produce sufficient evidence.

His name also featured in scrutiny of payments connected to Zimbabwe’s election materials. According to the Centre for Investigative Journalism Malawi, South Africa’s Financial Intelligence Centre identified transfers exceeding R800 million to accounts linked to Chivayo, following payments to printing company Ren-Form. The centre reported that a South African investigation remained active in January 2026. Chivayo denied wrongdoing.

In Malawi, Chivayo met both former president Lazarus Chakwera and President Peter Mutharika while pursuing investment opportunities. He said the engagements were commercial and that his companies were conducting feasibility studies, with no formal agreements in place at the time.

He also pledged US$1 million to the Beautify Malawi Trust, chaired by First Lady Gertrude Mutharika. Reporting by the Centre for Investigative Journalism Malawi questioned his pursuit of fuel business and access to successive administrations, while noting that it had not verified whether the pledge was fulfilled.