Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo and his wife, Lucy “Lulu” Muteke, have died in a helicopter crash in Marondera.
The couple were among those killed when the aircraft went down in the Marondera Rural area at approximately 5 pm on Wednesday, 30 September 2026. There were no survivors.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police initially confirmed that an aircraft carrying six occupants had crashed. A subsequent government statement said a high-profile businessman, other passengers and two pilots were aboard the helicopter.
Local reports later identified Chivayo and Muteke among the victims.
Helicopter wreckage found near Marondera farm
Mbare Times reported that the helicopter was carrying six people when it crashed at a farm near Marondera.
Pictures from the accident scene show the badly damaged white-and-blue helicopter resting at a steep angle among trees and vegetation. Its cabin remained recognisable, although the upper and rear sections suffered extensive damage.
A large part of the aircraft appeared to have separated from the main wreckage and landed some distance away. Residents, emergency workers and other people gathered at the scene as darkness fell, using lights to examine the crash site.
The images underline the force of the impact. However, they do not establish what caused the aircraft to go down.
Police secured the area while emergency teams began examining the wreckage and recovering the victims. Authorities had not announced the helicopter’s flight route or its intended destination by the time of publication.
Wicknell Chivhayo and Lucy confirmed among the victims
Chivayo was one of Zimbabwe’s most recognisable businessmen. He built a public profile through major business deals, government-linked projects, donations and frequent displays of luxury vehicles and properties.
The Intratrek Zimbabwe founder attracted a large following on social media, where he regularly announced expensive gifts to musicians, football administrators, church leaders and people he described as loyal supporters.
His business dealings and political connections also made him a controversial figure. Nevertheless, news of his death triggered an immediate wave of reactions across Zimbabwe and among Zimbabweans living abroad.
Muteke became widely known after her relationship with Chivayo entered the public spotlight. The businessman publicly introduced her following the end of his marriage to Sonja Madzikanda.
Chivayo and Muteke later held traditional marriage celebrations in Marondera in 2025. Their union generated widespread attention, with photographs and videos from the proceedings circulating extensively online.
The couple continued sharing glimpses of their relationship, travels and family life before the fatal crash.
Confusion over number of people aboard
The first police statement said the aircraft had six occupants. The Herald also reported that six people were aboard the helicopter.
However, some later reports relayed a government account referring to a high-profile businessman, four other passengers and two pilots. That description would place the total at seven.
Authorities had not publicly reconciled the difference by Wednesday night. Nevertheless, both police and government officials confirmed the central fact: nobody survived the crash.
The identities of the pilots and the remaining passengers were expected to be released after formal identification and notification of their families.
Investigation into crash begins
Investigators will now examine the wreckage, weather conditions, maintenance history and the helicopter’s movements before the crash.
They are also expected to review communications between the pilots and air-traffic authorities. Any available flight-tracking data could help establish the aircraft’s final route and altitude.
Officials had not linked the accident to mechanical failure, bad weather or pilot error. Claims about the cause therefore remain premature until aviation investigators release their findings.
The crash has sent shockwaves across Zimbabwe because of Chivayo’s public profile and the scale of the tragedy.
Government spokesperson Nick Mangwana expressed condolences to the families and friends of everyone killed. Police said additional information would be released as the investigation progressed.
For now, attention remains focused on the Marondera crash site and the families waiting for the formal identification of all the victims.
Source – Mbare Times
