Wicknell Chivayo dies in Zimbabwe helicopter crash

HARARE – Zimbabwean businessman and philanthropist Wicknell Chivayo and his wife, Lucy Muteke, have died in a helicopter crash in the Marondera rural area, east of Harare.

The crash occurred at around 5pm on Wednesday, with Zimbabwean authorities confirming that the aircraft had six occupants.

Zimbabwe Republic Police confirmed the crash, while Zimbabwean government spokesperson Nick Mangwana said there were no survivors. Chivayo’s family spokesperson, Herbert Chivayo, later confirmed the deaths of the businessman and his wife to state broadcaster ZBC News.

Authorities have yet to establish the cause of the crash, with investigations expected to follow.

Chivayo, who was in his 40s, was one of Zimbabwe’s most prominent businessmen, with interests spanning energy, infrastructure and other sectors. His company, Intratrek Zimbabwe, was involved in major energy projects, including the Gwanda Solar Project.

Chivayo had also established a high-profile connection with Eswatini earlier this year.

In June, he was hosted by His Majesty King Mswati III at the Royal Palace, where he was granted Eswatini citizenship and a diplomatic passport in recognition of his philanthropic contributions and interest in the Kingdom’s development.

During the visit, Chivayo pledged R3 billion towards a proposed 300MW solar project in Eswatini through his company, Intratrek Holdings. The project was presented as an investment aimed at supporting the Kingdom’s energy security and economic development.

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