A Zimbabwean tycoon and his wife were among six people killed when a helicopter crashed east of Harare on September 30, 2026, officials confirmed. The government said there were no survivors.
The helicopter crash that killed Wicknell Chivayo, a wealthy businessman close to Zimbabwe’s ruling ZANU-PF party, and his wife Lucy Muteke occurred in Marondera, about 72km east of Harare, at around 1500 GMT, according to state broadcaster ZBC. Police confirmed six occupants were on board, but identities remained unverified as of late Tuesday.
Discrepancies in Victim Counts
The government spokesperson, Nick Mangwana, stated the crash involved one high-profile businessman, three other passengers, and two pilots
according to Thesouthafrican.
Crash Location and Timeline
The helicopter crashed in the Marondera Rural area, approximately 72km east of Harare, at around 1500 GMT, according to ZBC. The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) confirmed the crash occurred at 1700 hours, stating, The ZRP confirms a plane crash in Marondera Rural area at 1700 hours, this evening. The aircraft had six occupants,
as reported by Thestar. The crash site was near the family home in Gandami, located 144 km from Harare, according to a family spokesperson.
Family Spokesperson’s Account
Herbert Chivayo, a family spokesperson, told ZBC that the helicopter crashed after departing from the family home in Gandami. He stated, When it crashed, it burst into flames,
and confirmed five people were on board: two pilots, his security aide, the wife, and Chivayo. However, police and government statements indicated six occupants, including the two pilots, Chivayo, his wife, and three other passengers. The government spokesperson, Nick Mangwana, confirmed the crash involved “one high-profile businessman, three other passengers, and two pilots,” according to Thesouthafrican.
Chivayo’s Wealth and Controversies
Chivayo, 43, was a prominent figure in Zimbabwe’s business elite, known for lavish displays of wealth and political connections. He donated a Rolls-Royce, a Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon, and a Maybach to a preacher and his wife, and gave another church $2 million in cash as reported by Thesun. His company, Intratrek Zimbabwe, secured a more than $170 million government contract in 2015 for a solar plant, which faced legal challenges before being upheld by the Supreme Court in 2023 per the same source.
Chivayo’s ties to President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s ZANU-PF party drew public scrutiny, with his opulent lifestyle contrasting sharply with Zimbabwe’s economic struggles. He spent three years in jail around two decades ago on a money-laundering conviction as noted by Thesun.
Government Response and Ongoing Investigation
The government confirmed the crash and expressed condolences, with Mangwana stating, Current information indicates that there were no survivors in this crash
according to Thesouthafrican. Police in Marondera deployed to the scene, but no details about the crash’s cause were released as reported by Thestar.
Police and other relevant authorities were deployed to the scene following the crash. The ZRP stated, “More details will be released in due course,” as per Thestar. Mangwana extended condolences to the victims’ families and friends, saying, We extend our deepest condolences and prayers to the victims, their families, and their friends during this difficult time,
according to Thesouthafrican.
Legal and Political Context
Chivayo’s company, Intratrek Zimbabwe, won a more than $170 million government contract in 2015 to build a 100-megawatt solar plant in Gwanda. The state-run power utility sought to terminate the deal due to delays, but the Supreme Court ruled in 2023 that the contract was valid. The government later ordered the project to proceed, as reported by Thesun.
Chivayo’s close ties to ZANU-PF and President Mnangagwa have fueled public cynicism, given his lavish lifestyle amid widespread economic hardship. His public profile was fueled by shows of wealth on social media and high-profile giveaways that included luxury cars, cash and other gifts.
Official Statements and Next Steps
Mangwana stated that the Zimbabwe Republic Police would confirm the names of the victims once the necessary procedures had been completed. The Zimbabwe Republic Police will confirm the names of the victims in due course,
he said. Authorities are expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the crash as investigations continue, according to Thestar.
The exact identities of the victims remain pending official confirmation.