Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo, his wife Lucy Muteke, and four others died on Wednesday in a helicopter crash in Marondera, Zimbabwe, authorities confirmed. The helicopter was returning to the capital, Harare, after Chivayo had visited his rural homestead where construction of a mansion was underway. The crash caused the helicopter to burst into flames, leaving charred debris scattered across a field.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa expressed deep shock and grief over the deaths, describing Chivayo as a figure who had contributed charitably to the nation. Kenyan President William Ruto also extended condolences, calling Chivayo a dear friend. Officials, including the Zimbabwean Civil Aviation Authority and police, are investigating the cause of the accident.
Chivayo, 43 or 45 according to varying reports, was a prominent and divisive figure in Zimbabwe’s business and political circles. His wealth and close ties to ruling party ZANU-PF sparked both admiration and resentment in a country grappling with poverty and economic challenges. Known for flaunting a lavish lifestyle on social media—posting images of private jets, luxury cars, and meetings with African heads of state—he cultivated relationships with several regional leaders, including Mnangagwa, South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa, Tanzania’s Samia Suluhu Hassan, Eswatini’s King Mswati III, and Kenya’s William Ruto.
Despite his public generosity and connections, Chivayo faced numerous allegations of corruption. He made a significant portion of his fortune through government contracts, including a $173 million solar energy project awarded in 2015 that remained incomplete. He was charged in 2018 with fraud and money laundering related to an advance payment for the project; however, those charges were dismissed in 2023 due to prosecutorial delays. Additionally, he was investigated in connection with procurement materials for the 2023 national election but was cleared by anti-corruption authorities.
Chivayo’s history also includes a conviction in 2004 (sometimes reported as 2005) for fraud linked to currency trading, for which he served several years in prison. Critics sometimes referenced this past alongside a broader narrative criticizing a small elite perceived to profit disproportionately from government patronage. Zimbabwe’s Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga has publicly condemned such businessmen, referring to them as "blood-engorged ticks," accusing them of exploiting state resources.
The circumstances of Chivayo’s sudden death have fueled online speculation and polarized reactions nationwide. While some expressed sympathy for his family and children, others openly celebrated the passing of a figure they viewed as emblematic of political and economic corruption.
The investigation into the helicopter crash remains ongoing, with authorities yet to confirm whether mechanical failure, weather, or other factors caused the incident.