Prominent Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo, widely known as “Sir Wicknell,” died in a helicopter crash on 30 September 2026, along with his wife Lucy “Lulu” Muteke and four others. There were no survivors.

The crash

The private helicopter crashed in the Marondera rural area of Mashonaland East Province, about 70 kilometres east of Harare, at approximately 17:00 local time. Zimbabwe Republic Police confirmed six people were on board. Government spokesperson Nick Mangwana stated that the aircraft carried a high-profile businessman, passengers and two pilots, and that there were no survivors.

Family spokesperson Herbert Chivayo later confirmed to state broadcaster ZBC News that Chivayo and Muteke were among the dead, describing the family as “at a loss for words.” 

Police reported that some bodies were badly burned, requiring formal identification. The cause of the crash remains under investigation, with no official findings yet released on mechanical failure, weather or other factors.

Early life and background

Chivayo was 43. Born Wicknell Mudodaani Chivayo on 22 November 1982 in the Gandami area of Chivhu, Mashonaland East, he lost his father, Isaac Mathias Chivayo, in a car accident at about the age of ten and was raised by his mother. He attended Dudley Hall Primary School and Churchill Boys High School but left in Form Two around 1996 due to financial hardship. As a teenager he worked as a wages clerk at a local bus company before running to foreign-currency trading in Harare.

Business career

He founded Intratrek Zimbabwe (Private) Limited, an engineering, procurement and construction firm focused on energy and infrastructure. The company secured major government contracts, most notably a roughly US$172-173 million deal for a 100-megawatt solar project in Gwanda awarded around 2015. The project faced prolonged delays, incomplete work after advance payments, and legal proceedings over fraud allegations. Chivayo and the company were eventually acquitted or saw the charges dismissed.

He also had interests in telecommunications and expanded regionally, included reported involvement in infrastructure projects such as aspects of the proposed expansion of Kenya's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

Public profile and philanthropy

Chivayo's public image combined a flamboyant lifestyle with highly visible philanthropy. He regularly posted on social media images of luxury cars, private aviation and properties, and frequently donated vehicles, cash and other gifts to individuals, musicians, sports figures, schools and organisations.

He maintained close ties to Zimbabwe's ruling ZANU-PF and President Emmerson Mnangagwa, as well as to regional leaders. Kenyan President William Ruto described him as a “dear friend,” praising his warmth, energy and belief in Africa's potential, and extended condolences to the families, Mnangagwa and the people of Zimbabwe.

Controversies

His career was marked by controversy. He served a prison sentence (approximately 2004-2006) after a fraud conviction linked to foreign-currency dealings. Later fraud and related charges connected to government contracts largely ended in acquittals or dismissals. Critics often pointed to his rapid rise, dependence on state tenders – some awarded amid questions over procurement processes – and political connections. Supporters emphasised his self-made story, philanthropy and business expansion.

Personal life

Chivayo married Sonja Madzikanda in 2017; the couple later divorced around 2024 and had two children. He married Lucy Muteke in 2025. He is survived by his children from the first marriage.