Wicknell Chivayo and wife killed in Marondera helicopter crash

Controversial businessman and socialite Wicknell Chivayo has died after a private helicopter he was travelling in crashed in rural Marondera on Wednesday evening.

Family spokesperson Herbert Chivayo told ZBC News that Wicknell and his wife, Lucy Muteke, were among those killed in the crash.

He said the Chivayo family was at a loss for words following the tragedy.

The aircraft, which was carrying six people – Chivayo, three other passengers and two pilots – came down at around 5pm on Wednesday, 30 September. There were no survivors.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) first confirmed the incident, followed by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Nick Mangwana.

“The Government wishes to confirm that a helicopter crash has occurred, involving one high-profile businessman, three other passengers, and two pilots,” Mangwana wrote on X on Wednesday night.

“Current information indicates that there were no survivors.”

He said the ZRP would confirm the names of all victims in due course and extended condolences to their families and friends.