Prominent Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo and his wife, Lucy “Lulu” Muteke, have died in a helicopter crash in Marondera Rural, Mashonaland East Province, Zimbabwe.
The helicopter crashed at around 5:00pm on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, near Waddilove Mission. Zimbabwean authorities confirmed that there were no survivors. Police initially reported that six people were aboard the aircraft.
Chivayo’s family later confirmed that the businessman and his wife were among those killed in the tragedy. Family spokesperson Herbert Chivayo confirmed their deaths as emergency teams and investigators attended the crash scene.
Government spokesperson Nick Mangwana said the aircraft was carrying a high-profile businessman, other passengers and two pilots, adding that investigations would establish the circumstances surrounding the crash.
The cause of the crash has not yet been established, and authorities are continuing investigations.
Chivayo was one of Zimbabwe’s most prominent and publicly visible businessmen, known for his lavish lifestyle, philanthropy and high-profile relationships with political, business and entertainment figures.
The deaths of Chivayo and Muteke have sparked widespread reactions across Zimbabwe and the region, with tributes emerging following confirmation of the tragedy.
More details are expected as authorities formally identify all those who died and release further information about the crash.
