BREAKING NEWS: Wicknell Chivayo Dies in Helicopter Crash Near Marondera, Six Dead
Prominent Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo is believed to be among six people killed in a helicopter crashed near Marondera today, 30 September 2026, at around 5pm. Authorities confirmed no survivors. Official identification of victims is pending.
Kwedu News 
Harare, Zimbabwe — A helicopter has crashed in the Marondera Rural area of Mashonaland East Province this evening, 30 September, killing all six people on board, Zimbabwean authorities confirmed.
Among the victims is believed was a high-profile businessman, Wicknell Chivayo, the flamboyant Zimbabwean entrepreneur known for high-value government contracts, lavish philanthropy and close ties to the ruling establishment.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) stated that the aircraft went down at approximately 5pm local time.
“The ZRP confirms a plane crash in Marondera Rural area at 1700 hours, this evening.
"The aircraft had six occupants. More details will be released in due course as the scene is currently being attended,” police national spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi, confirmed in an official statement.
Information Permanent Secretary, Nick Mangwana, also confirmed the fatalities and the presence of a prominent figure among the dead.
“The Government wishes to confirm that a helicopter crash has occurred, involving one high-profile businessman, three other passengers and two pilots.
"Current information indicates that there were no survivors in this crash. The Zimbabwe Republic Police will confirm the names of the victims in due course.
"We extend our deepest condolences and prayers to the victims, their families, and their friends during this difficult time,” Mangwana said.
Some reports varied slightly on the passenger count in Mangwana’s remarks, saying three or four additional passengers plus two pilots, but all official accounts agree there were six people aboard and no survivors.
Emergency services, including multiple ambulances racing from Harare toward Marondera, responded to the scene.
Details on the precise location within the rural district, the helicopter’s type, its flight path, destination, or the cause of the crash are yet to be availed.
Multiple Zimbabwean news outlets have also reported that the high-profile businessman is believed to be Wicknell Chivayo.
Local news platform, ZimLive, went further in an early social media update saying Chivhayo's wife is part of the dead.
“MAJOR BREAKING: Millionaire tycoon Wicknell Chivayo has died after a helicopter crash in Marondera. His wife Lucy Muteke among the 6 victims. There were no survivors," the news report said
Authorities are yet to officially release and confirmed the identities of the victims at the time of initial reporting.
Chivayo, 43, born Wicknell Munodaani Chivayo on 22 November 1982 in Chivhu, was a polarising figure in Zimbabwean public life.
As founder and managing director of Intratrek Zimbabwe, he was associated with major energy and infrastructure projects, including the controversial Gwanda Solar Project and maintained a high public profile through frequent large-scale gifts of luxury vehicles and cash to musicians, church leaders, politicians, and ordinary citizens.
He was also known for his close public association with President Emmerson Mnangagwa and ZANU-PF.
He married Lucy Muteke in March 2025 following his earlier divorce from Sonja Madzikanda.
Chivayo owned private aircraft, including a Gulfstream G550 jet he publicly showcased and was a frequent presence on social media documenting his business and philanthropic activities.
The crash marks a sudden and tragic development in a year in which Chivayo remained highly visible through continued public donations and business announcements.
This is a developing story. Official confirmation of the victims’ identities is still pending...
