Zimbabwean Tycoon Wicknell Chivayo Reported Dead in Marondera Helicopter Crash
Billionaire tycoon Wicknell Chivayo has died after a helicopter crash in Marondera together with his wife, Lucy Muteke and 4 others.
A police statement said: “The ZRP confirms a plane crash in Marondera Rural area at 1700 hours. The aircraft had 6 occupants.
Wicknell was a close friend of President William Ruto and frequently visited Statehouse.
Harare, Zimbabwe Prominent Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo has been reported dead after a helicopter crash in the Marondera Rural area, east of Harare, on Wednesday evening.
Zimbabwean authorities confirmed that an aircraft crashed at about 5:00pm local time with six people on board. Government spokesperson Nick Mangwana said early information indicated there were no survivors, although police were still conducting formal identification and had not immediately released the names of all victims.
Local media and family sources later identified Chivayo as one of those killed. His wife, Lucy “Lulu” Muteke, was also widely reported to have died in the crash. A family spokesperson reportedly confirmed the deaths, describing the tragedy as a devastating loss for the family.
The helicopter was said to have been carrying a high-profile businessman, other passengers and two pilots when it went down in a rural part of Marondera. Emergency teams, police and forensic investigators were deployed to the scene as authorities began inquiries into the cause of the crash.
Chivayo was one of Zimbabwe’s most recognisable and controversial business figures, known for his flamboyant public image, high-value gifts to musicians and supporters, and close association with political and business circles in the country. His reported death has triggered widespread reactions across Zimbabwe and the region.
Authorities have not yet announced the cause of the crash. The Zimbabwe Republic Police is expected to provide further details after completing victim identification and initial investigations.
This is a developing story. Details may change as official investigations and confirmations continue.
Chivayo’s Kenyan-linked firm, IMC Construction Kenya, was reported in June 2026 to be part of a joint venture with a Chinese consortium led by China Communications Construction Company for a proposed expansion of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
• Initial reports placed the plan at around US$2.9 billion / KSh375 billion.
• However, Kenyan authorities later disputed reports that Chivayo’s company had been awarded the contract, and stated that the planned airport project was valued closer to KSh154 billion. In other words, his company was reported as a proposed consortium partner, but the contract status was publicly contested—not a straightforward confirmed award to him.
