Wicknell Chivayo Reportedly Dies After Helicopter Crash in Marondera, Tributes Pour

• A helicopter carrying six people crashed in Zimbabwe's Marondera rural area on Wednesday, 30 September 2026, with no survivors
• Zimbabwean millionaire businessman Wicknell Chivayo was reportedly identified as a passenger on board, along with his wife, Lucy Muteke
• The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirmed the crash and said the bodies would require formal identification

Zimbabwe is in mourning after a helicopter came down in the Marondera rural area on Wednesday, 30 September 2026, killing all six people on board. Among the victims were prominent businessman Wicknell Chivayo and his wife, Lucy Muteke.

The crash occurred at approximately 1700 local time (1500 GMT), with emergency services rushing to the scene. Zimbabwe Republic Police spokesperson Paul Nyathi confirmed that formal identification is a complex process that would need to be carried out by authorities in due course.

Government spokesperson Nick Mangwana made an official statement on X, confirming the incident involved one high-profile businessman, three other passengers and two pilots. "Current information indicates that there were no survivors in this crash," Mangwana wrote, extending condolences to the victims' families and friends.

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Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo dies as helicopter crash claims six lives in Marondera

Local online publication ZimLive was among the first to name Chivayo as one of those on board. The Zimbabwe Republic Police also confirmed: "The ZRP confirms a plane crash in Marondera Rural area at 1700 hours. The aircraft had 6 occupants."

Who was Wicknell Chivayo?

Chivayo was one of Zimbabwe's most recognised and controversial businessmen, known for his flamboyant lifestyle and prominent public profile. His death has sent shockwaves across social media, with tributes and reactions pouring in from across the continent.

The internet has responded to Chivayo's passing:

@ImVeeMk wrote:

"Just like that... gone! What are the private jet setting mapostori gonna do now🤔 Sorry for the kids though"

@NoellaBoss said:

"I was just watching a YouTube video comparing him vs My Sol about 30 minutes ago."

@Anthony_LungaJ offered a more reflective take:

"Life can change in a matter of minutes. One moment you are flying above the country, surrounded by the wealth and success you spent years building; the next, everything is gone. Whatever one thought of Wicknell Chivayo, his death, if formally confirmed, is a sobering reminder that money, cars, houses and status ultimately cannot buy time. May all those who lost their lives rest in peace."

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Zimbabwean businessman celebrates President's extension

In a previous report from Briefly News, Zimbabwean businessman and tenderpreneur Wicknell Chivayo, aka Sir Wicknell, allegedly celebrated President Emmerson Mnangagwa's highly controversial new law extending his presidential term

His celebration on a private jet while showing off Hermès luxury items has sparked intense outrage online.

Source: Briefly News