Wicknell Chivayo and Four Others Die in Helicopter Crash

On September 30, 2026, a Bell 430 helicopter crashed near Marondera while traveling from Chikomba to Harare, resulting in the loss of five lives. Zimbabwe's Minister of Development and Vocational Training, Tino Machakaire, confirmed the incident and named the victims the following day via a Facebook post.

The deceased included prominent businessman Wicknell Chivayo, who was set to celebrate his 46th birthday in November, his wife Lucy Chivayo (née Muteki), Miss Senelisiwe Magagula, Captain Kelvin T Soda, and Captain Courage Mutavirwa. Family spokesman Herbert Chivayo provided details about the crash, which occurred around 5 p.m.

Police confirmed the crash but initially withheld the names of those on board. Minister Machakaire expressed his condolences, describing the moment he learned of the tragedy as deeply impactful.