Wicknell Chivayo: Mnangagwa Breaks Silence After Fatal Helicopter Crash

President Mnangagwa Pays Tribute To Wicknell Chivayo After Tragic Crash

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has broken his silence following the death of businessman Wicknell Chivayo and his wife, Lucy Muteke, in a fatal helicopter crash in Marondera on Wednesday, 30 September 2026.

In a condolence message issued on Thursday, 1 October, Mnangagwa described the deaths as a sudden tragedy that had left him, his family and the nation “numbed and in deep shock and grief”.

The crash claimed six lives, including the couple, two crew members and a security aide. The helicopter went down in rural Marondera as the group travelled from Chikomba.

Mnangagwa reveals final conversation with Chivayo

Mnangagwa said he had personally been aware of several plans Chivayo had been working on, including initiatives involving disadvantaged Zimbabweans and war veterans.

The President revealed that he had discussed some of those plans with Chivayo just days before his death.

“I am personally aware of numerous plans he had for our Nation and our people, principally the less privileged ones and our war veterans, whose social condition he diligently worked to ameliorate,” Mnangagwa said.

He added that Chivayo had shared some of those plans with him “only this last Tuesday after our Cabinet meeting”, just one day before the helicopter crash.

The timing of that final conversation featured prominently in Mnangagwa’s tribute, as he reflected on the plans Chivayo had been pursuing before his death.

Wicknell Chivayo remembered for philanthropy

Mnangagwa also spoke about Chivayo’s charitable activities and the impact he believed the family had made across different sections of Zimbabwean society.

Describing the Chivayo family as “consummately philanthropic”, the President said their generosity had reached people in politics, religion, public service, culture, sport and other professions.

“Their generous hand cut across sectors and reached many individuals,” Mnangagwa said.

He also said Chivayo had developed a vision that extended beyond his own family.

According to the President, Chivayo’s ambitions included Zimbabwe, the Southern African region and the wider African continent.

Mnangagwa described this as part of the businessman’s contribution to Zimbabwe’s engagement and re-engagement efforts.

Chivayo was travelling from rural development project

Mnangagwa said the couple had been travelling back from Gandami in rural Chikomba when the helicopter crashed.

He said they had been involved in putting up “modern family and community structures” as part of rural development efforts.

The President linked the project to broader national objectives around investment, industrialisation, development and transformation.

He extended his condolences to the Chivayo family and the relatives of everyone who died in the crash.

“We mourn with and stand by them in this hour of deep, inconsolable grief and pain,” Mnangagwa said.

He added that the deceased should be remembered for the work and service they had rendered to Zimbabwe.

“May their dear souls rest eternally.”

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