Wicknell Chivayo’s family confirms his death following fatal Zimbabwe helicopter crash

The family of Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo has confirmed his death following a helicopter crash in Marondera that killed all six people aboard the aircraft on Wednesday, September 30.

Chivayo’s family spokesperson, Herbert Chivayo, confirmed to ZBC News that the businessman and his wife, Lucy Muteke, were among those killed in the crash.

“We are at a loss for words after the tragic incident,” Herbert Chivayo said.

The confirmation came after Zimbabwean authorities reported the fatal helicopter crash in the Marondera Rural area, about 70 kilometres east of Harare. The aircraft went down at about 5 p.m. local time, with authorities later confirming that there were no survivors.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police had initially said six people were aboard the helicopter, although early statements from government officials contained differing figures. Authorities have not yet established the cause of the crash, and investigations are expected to determine what led to the accident.

The family confirmation adds to the initial reports of Chivayo’s death published by Billionaires.Africa earlier on Wednesday as authorities worked to identify the victims. The businessman had remained active in his commercial interests in the weeks leading up to his death.

Most recently, his company Intratrek Zimbabwe was preparing to resume work on the long-delayed Gwanda Solar Project after the Zimbabwe Power Company issued a formal Notice to Proceed earlier this month.

The 100-megawatt solar project, awarded to Intratrek in 2014, had been stalled for years amid a dispute between the company and Zimbabwe Power Company. In September, the two sides reached a new stage in the project, with Intratrek expected to return to the site and complete the development within 24 months. The revised project cost was reported at less than $132 million, compared with the original $172 million contract.

The development was among Chivayo’s most recent business activities before his death and represented a renewed push to complete a project that had become one of the most closely watched energy contracts associated with his company. Chivayo, who founded Intratrek Zimbabwe, built his business interests around energy, infrastructure, transport and other sectors. His company has also pursued renewable energy and power-generation opportunities outside Zimbabwe.

His regional business profile expanded in 2026. In June, Chivayo received Eswatini citizenship and a diplomatic passport from King Mswati III, after which he announced a proposed 300-megawatt solar project in the kingdom. He also maintained a high public profile through his social media accounts, where he regularly documented his business activities, philanthropy and luxury purchases. In recent months, he had continued to make large public donations and investments, including financial support for sporting and religious figures.

Billionaires.Africa previously profiled Chivayo’s rise from his early business activities in Zimbabwe to his expansion across the region, including his interests in energy and infrastructure. The publication also reported in June that he had acquired a R160 million, roughly $9 million, property in Cape Town’s Clifton area, adding to his portfolio of high-value assets.

His business activities had also attracted public scrutiny, particularly around government-linked contracts and the Gwanda solar project. Chivayo maintained that his businesses had operated within the law and had defended his record in relation to the disputes surrounding the project.

The businessman’s death now comes as Intratrek was preparing to return to the Gwanda solar site following the latest government directive, leaving the future implementation of the project to the company’s management and its partners.

Authorities are continuing investigations into the Marondera helicopter crash. Further details on the circumstances of the accident and the identities of the other victims are expected as the investigation progresses.