Wicknell Chivayo Death: Zimbabwean Journalist Breaks Silence on Reports Tazvi Mhaka Died in Crash

• Zimbabwean investigative journalist Maynard Manyowa addressed false reports circulating after Wicknell Chivayo died in a helicopter crash in Marondera
• Reports claimed that Tazvi Mhaka, known as Chief J, also perished in the same crash alongside the flamboyant businessman
• Manyowa confirmed he had spoken to Chief J personally after the crash, raising questions about the other occupants on board

Zimbabwean investigative journalist Maynard Manyowa stepped in to correct the record on Wednesday, 30 September 2026, after false reports spread claiming that businessman Tazvi Mhaka, popularly known as Chief J, had perished in the same helicopter crash that killed Wicknell Chivayo.

Chivayo, one of Zimbabwe's most recognisable and flamboyant businessmen, died after a private helicopter came down in rural Marondera. His wife, Lucy Muteke, also lost her life in the accident. Family spokesperson Herbert Chivayo confirmed both deaths, saying the family was at a loss for words. Zimbabwe Republic Police Commissioner Paul Nyathi stated that six occupants were on board the aircraft at the time of the crash.

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Wicknell Chivayo's family speaks amid reports of his death

Did Tazvi Mhaka die in Wicknell Chivayo helicopter crash?

As rumours about additional casualties spread rapidly across social media, Manyowa took to X to shut them down. Writing from the UK, he confirmed he had personally spoken to Chief J at around 7:18 pm UK time, while Mhaka was reportedly already on his way to the crash scene.

"Just for context — so you know — the reports that Tazvi Mhaka (Chief J) has also died in the same crash are lies. Jose is alive, and I spoke to him around 7:18 pm UK time as he was on his way to the scene. Please be responsible with updates 🙏," Manyowa wrote.

See the post below:

With six people confirmed on board but only Chivayo and his wife publicly identified at the time, questions about the remaining four occupants began circulating almost immediately.

Questions remain about the other passengers

Followers pressed Manyowa for more details about who else was on the helicopter.

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

One user, @Svosve_Mukange, raised unconfirmed speculation that someone known as "Ferg" may have been among the other passengers. Manyowa declined to name anyone beyond confirming Chief J's survival.

"I don't really want to reveal that until next of kin are informed. It is not right. But on Jose, he is alive," he responded to @Svosve_Mukange.

When @timbodaking1 also asked about the other two passengers, Manyowa held firm. And when @Tom_FaraiManuel asked about someone referred to as "g6," Manyowa said he had not been in contact with that individual, adding,

"I spoke to Jose."

Wicknell Chivayo’s final post before death raises eyebrows

Meanwhile, Briefly News reported that the words in Wicknell Chivayo's lengthy tribute to his lawyers hours before dying in a helicopter crash in rural Marondera raised eyebrows after his death.

In the post, Chivayo gifted lawyer Wilson Manase a 2026 Lexus GX 550 worth $220,000 and $250,000 in cash, and Advocate Sylvester Hashiti a Range Rover Sport and $500,000.

Source: Briefly News