Wicknell Chivayo Reportedly Among Victims of Fatal Helicopter Crash in Zimbabwe

Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo is reportedly among those who died after a helicopter crashed in the Marondera area of Zimbabwe on Wednesday evening.

The helicopter went down at approximately 5:00 p.m. local time in a rural part of Marondera, southeast of Harare. Zimbabwean authorities confirmed that the aircraft was carrying six people and that there were no survivors.

Government spokesperson Nick Mangwana said the passengers included a high-profile businessman, three other passengers and two pilots. Police said emergency teams were dispatched to the crash site and that the identities of those who died would be formally confirmed.

Reuters reported that local Zimbabwean media outlet identified businessman Wicknell Chivayo as one of those aboard the helicopter. However, at the time of reporting, Zimbabwean police had not yet officially released the names of the victims.

Wicknell Chivayo is a prominent Zimbabwean businessman who has built a public profile through his business interests, philanthropy and highly visible lifestyle.

He is associated with Intratrek Zimbabwe and has been involved in major projects in Zimbabwe, including the Gwanda Solar Project. Over the years, Chivayo has also attracted considerable public attention through large charitable donations, luxury vehicles, aircraft and his relationships with prominent political and public figures.

His public profile has extended beyond Zimbabwe. In recent years, Chivayo has been photographed with several African political leaders and has maintained a strong presence on social media. The Mail & Guardian described him as one of Zimbabwe’s most prominent young businessmen, while also noting the controversy and political scrutiny surrounding his business career.

Chivayo has also been known for his philanthropic gestures. In April 2026, for example, reports said he donated a new Toyota Fortuner and US$50,000 to Ronald Mujuru, who had lost his wife and five children in a road accident.

The crash has shocked Zimbabwe, with emergency personnel responding to the scene in the Marondera area shortly after the aircraft went down.

According to police, the victims were badly burned, making formal identification necessary. Authorities have said that further details, including the names of those killed, would be released after the identification process.

The cause of the crash has not yet been established. An investigation is expected to determine what happened to the aircraft before it went down.

Reports circulating on social media and some online news platforms have identified Chivayo and his wife, Lucy Muteke, among those believed to have been aboard. These reports should be treated with caution until the Zimbabwe Republic Police formally confirms the identities.

The crash comes as a major shock to Chivayo’s family, business associates and the many people who have followed his highly publicised life.

For now, authorities are concentrating on identifying the victims and determining the circumstances surrounding the crash. More information is expected as police and investigators complete their work.

This is a developing story and details may change as Zimbabwean authorities formally confirm the identities of those who died.