Zimbabwean Billionaire Wicknell Chivayo Dies in Helicopter Crash

Wicknell Chivayo, a prominent Zimbabwean entrepreneur known for high-profile business ventures, perished in a helicopter accident that killed six people on Wednesday evening. The aircraft went down in the Marondera rural district, approximately 70 kilometres east of Harare, around 5 p.m. local time on September 30, 2026.

Chivayo's wife, Lucy Muteke, was also among those killed. Family spokesperson Herbert Chivayo confirmed both deaths to Zimbabwe's state broadcaster, describing the family as devastated by the loss.

The helicopter was carrying six occupants when it crashed, with no survivors reported. Police Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the crash occurred at approximately 5 p.m. local time, while government officials later verified there were no survivors.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident, though preliminary findings have not yet been disclosed. Chivayo had been travelling from a rural property he was developing with his wife when the tragedy occurred.

The incident gained additional attention in Nigeria after photographs resurfaced showing Chivayo meeting with President Bola Tinubu during an investment tour in October 2025. These images, captured during discussions on economic partnerships between Nigeria and Zimbabwe, were widely shared on social media following news of the crash.

The resurfacing of these photographs highlighted Chivayo's profile as a major player in regional business circles. On social media, an older post by Zimbabwean activist and businesswoman Susan Mutami began circulating after the crash.

In the tweet, Mutami had previously predicted Chivayo would die in a plane accident, a claim that drew significant online discussion following the actual incident. Government spokesman Nick Mangwana confirmed the deaths, and investigations into the helicopter crash remain ongoing.