Wicknell Chivayo and Wife Among Six Killed in Marondera Helicopter Crash

[Yesha]

Prominent Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo and his wife, Lucy “Lulu” Muteke, were among six people killed when a private helicopter crashed in Marondera Rural, Mashonaland East Province, on Wednesday evening, September 30, 2026.

The helicopter crashed at about 5pm near Waddilove Mission, with police confirming that six people were on board. Government spokesperson Nick Mangwana later confirmed that there were no survivors.

Family spokesperson Herbert Chivayo confirmed that Wicknell and Lucy were among those who died. He said the family was devastated by the tragedy.

Identification of the victims​

Authorities initially withheld the names of those on board as police worked to notify next of kin and formally identify the victims.

Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the occupants had been badly affected by the fire following the crash, making identification difficult. Forensic experts and investigators were subsequently deployed to the scene to assist with the identification process and establish what happened.

The cause of the crash has not yet been established, and investigations are ongoing. The Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe was among the authorities involved at the crash site

A businessman well known across the region​

Chivayo, who was in his 40s, was one of Zimbabwe's most prominent and publicly visible businessmen. He frequently shared images and videos of his interactions with political, business, religious and entertainment figures on social media.

He was also known for high-profile donations and gifts, including vehicles and financial contributions to individuals, churches, sports organisations and other causes.

His close relationship with President Emmerson Mnangagwa and other political figures had also made him a prominent figure in Zimbabwe's public affairs. International media have previously reported on scrutiny surrounding some of his business and political activities, while Chivayo denied allegations of wrongdoing.

Chivayo also had relationships with several regional leaders. Kenyan President William Ruto described him as a friend following news of his death and expressed condolences to the Chivayo and Muteke families

Lucy Muteke​

Lucy Muteke married Chivayo in a high-profile ceremony in 2025. She was travelling with him when the helicopter crashed. Her death was confirmed alongside that of her husband by the family.

Investigation underway​

Officials have begun investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash. The wreckage was found after the helicopter came down and caught fire, with investigators examining the scene for evidence that could help establish the cause.

As investigations continue, authorities are expected to provide further information about the aircraft, the victims and the circumstances leading to the crash.

For now, six lives have been lost, including Chivayo and his wife, in one of Zimbabwe's latest aviation tragedies.

This story is developing, and details may change as authorities formally identify all the victims and release findings from the investigation.

 

[Pascal Mayalla]

Prominent Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo and his wife, Lucy “Lulu” Muteke, were among six people killed when a private helicopter crashed in Marondera Rural, Mashonaland East Province, on Wednesday evening, September 30, 2026.

Huu ni msiba mkubwa hata kwetu Watanzania!

Kupitia kurasa zake mtandaoni, Rais Samia meandika;
Kwa niaba ya Serikali na wananchi wa Jamhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania, natoa salamu zetu za dhati za rambirambi kwa familia za wale wote waliopoteza wapendwa wao pamoja na wananchi

Nimefarijika sana kwa maneno haya, ya rais wetu kuwafariji wafiwa kufuatia kifo cha bonge, ila ningefarijika zaidi, kama Rais wetu, pia angetoa statment yenye maneno ya faraja kama haya, kwenye lile tukio letu lile!.

Mimi nilimuanzishia nyuzi mbili humu
1. Shuhudieni Mambo Makubwa Mazuri ya Bonge wa Zimbabwe, Wicknell Chivayo! Je, Hapa Kwetu Alifanya Nini?
2. Kumbe Bonge wa Zimbabwe ni Mtu wa Pisi Kali. Licha ya Kuonekana Tipwa Tipwa, ni Mtu wa Kazi na Anapiga Kazi Kweli Kweli kwenye mambo yetu yale

Japo huyu Bonge, hakuwa Mtanzania, lakini alikuwa rafiki kipenzi na mtu wetu, rafiki na mtu wetu ni rafiki yetu, mtu wetu akifiwa na rafiki yake ni sisi tumefiwa na rafiki yetu!.

Nichukue fursa hii kutoa pole kwa mtu wetu,
Watanzania Tunamlilia!

Rip Bonge za Zimba

Mzee Pasco.

 

[hahaha always done]

Prominent Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo and his wife, Lucy “Lulu” Muteke, were among six people killed when a private helicopter crashed in Marondera Rural, Mashonaland East Province, on Wednesday evening, September 30, 2026.


The helicopter crashed at about 5pm near Waddilove Mission, with police confirming that six people were on board. Government spokesperson Nick Mangwana later confirmed that there were no survivors.


Family spokesperson Herbert Chivayo confirmed that Wicknell and Lucy were among those who died. He said the family was devastated by the tragedy.

Identification of the victims​

Authorities initially withheld the names of those on board as police worked to notify next of kin and formally identify the victims.


Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the occupants had been badly affected by the fire following the crash, making identification difficult. Forensic experts and investigators were subsequently deployed to the scene to assist with the identification process and establish what happened.


The cause of the crash has not yet been established, and investigations are ongoing. The Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe was among the authorities involved at the crash site.

A businessman well known across the region​

Chivayo, who was in his 40s, was one of Zimbabwe's most prominent and publicly visible businessmen. He frequently shared images and videos of his interactions with political, business, religious and entertainment figures on social media.


He was also known for high-profile donations and gifts, including vehicles and financial contributions to individuals, churches, sports organisations and other causes.


His close relationship with President Emmerson Mnangagwa and other political figures had also made him a prominent figure in Zimbabwe's public affairs. International media have previously reported on scrutiny surrounding some of his business and political activities, while Chivayo denied allegations of wrongdoing.


Chivayo also had relationships with several regional leaders. Kenyan President William Ruto described him as a friend following news of his death and expressed condolences to the Chivayo and Muteke families.

Lucy Muteke​

Lucy Muteke married Chivayo in a high-profile ceremony in 2025. She was travelling with him when the helicopter crashed. Her death was confirmed alongside that of her husband by the family.

Investigation underway​

Officials have begun investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash. The wreckage was found after the helicopter came down and caught fire, with investigators examining the scene for evidence that could help establish the cause.


As investigations continue, authorities are expected to provide further information about the aircraft, the victims and the circumstances leading to the crash.


For now, six lives have been lost, including Chivayo and his wife, in one of Zimbabwe's latest aviation tragedies.


This story is developing, and details may change as authorities formally identify all the victims and release findings from the investigation.

Who killed them!? Yes! Who killed them

 

[Yesha]

More details have emerged about the final moments before the helicopter carrying Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo, his wife Lucy Muteke and three others crashed near Marondera on Wednesday evening.

According to Chivayo’s senior security aide, Froster Chisi, the pilots encountered severe weather and poor visibility while returning to Harare from Chivayo’s rural home in Gandami, Chikomba, Mashonaland East.

Chisi was travelling in a second helicopter that was flying in the same area.

He said the weather deteriorated significantly during the return flight, with the pilot of Chivayo’s Bell 430 repeatedly reporting that he was in bad weather and had not managed to exit the cloud.

The pilot’s last reported position was over the Surrey area.

Chisi said the pilot of the second helicopter later informed the other aircraft that they were about 10 minutes from their destination.

According to Chisi, the pilot carrying Chivayo then appeared confused and asked: “Which destination?”

The response from the second helicopter was “Marondera”, after which there was no further communication.

The second helicopter eventually landed in Marondera and waited for Chivayo’s aircraft, which failed to arrive. The security team later proceeded to Harare, believing the helicopter may have landed elsewhere because of the weather.

They reportedly spent more than an hour trying to contact Chivayo, his wife and the crew before receiving news of the crash.

The helicopter came down at Kudenga Farm near Marondera at around 5pm.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ) has confirmed that an intact flight recorder, commonly referred to as a black box, was recovered from the crash site.

CAAZ Director-General George Mashabane said preliminary observations indicated that the helicopter impacted the ground, resulting in fuel spillage followed by a fire. However, authorities have not yet established the official cause of the crash.

Five people have since been identified as having been aboard the aircraft: Chivayo, Lucy Muteke, her aide Senelisiwe Magagula, Captain Kelvin T. Soda and Captain Courage Mutavirwa. Police initially reported six occupants before the figure was revised.

Investigators are now examining the flight recorder and other evidence from the crash site. The account of the final radio communications has not been presented as the official finding of the aviation investigation.

The black box is expected to provide investigators with further information about the aircraft's final moments and help establish what led to the fatal crash.

 

[Mnama]

Daaa jamaa kaacha gumzo