Wicknell Chivayo’s Final Hours: Football Club Reveals Last Communication Before Helicopter Crash
- Highlanders FC has revealed a poignant detail about its final contact with Wicknell Chivayo before tragedy struck
- Chivayo had been closely linked to the Zimbabwean football club, with another major development unfolding earlier that same day
- New details surrounding the businessman’s final hours are emerging as authorities investigate the fatal helicopter crash
PAY ATTENTION: Mark Briefly News as a preferred source, and our content will appear higher in your Google feed!
Source: Facebook
A Zimbabwean football club has revealed that it communicated with businessman Wicknell Chivayo only moments before his death, adding a striking detail to the final hours of the 43-year-old.
Chivayo and his wife, Lucy Muteke, were among six people killed when their helicopter crashed in Marondera on Wednesday, 30 September 2026.
The revelation came from Highlanders Football Club, the Bulawayo-based side that had developed a close relationship with Chivayo through his financial support.
In a condolence message released on its official social media platforms on Thursday, the club said it had spoken to Chivayo shortly before the tragedy.
PAY ATTENTION: You can now search for all your favourite news and topics on Briefly News.
“The news is particularly difficult for us to comprehend, having communicated with Mr Chivayo only a few moments before to express our sincere appreciation for his generous support and enduring friendship towards Highlanders Football Club,” the club said.
The statement gives a glimpse into how abruptly the tragedy unfolded.
US$250,000 donation came hours before crash
Earlier on Wednesday, Highlanders announced that Chivayo had made another US$250,000 donation, equivalent to approximately R4.1 million. The club said the money would help address outstanding obligations to its playing staff and strengthen its financial position as the season approaches its conclusion.
Reports put the payment at around 1 pm — roughly four hours before the helicopter crashed at about 5 pm.
Highlanders said Chivayo’s support had exceeded US$2 million, about R32.9 million, over two years. His assistance included support for staff obligations, infrastructure and a team bus.
Investigation begins after Marondera helicopter crash
The helicopter crashed near Waddilove Mission in Marondera Rural, about 72km east of Harare. Authorities confirmed there were no survivors.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe said preliminary observations indicated that fuel spilt when the helicopter hit the ground, followed by a fire. The cause of the crash has not been established.
The Civil Aviation Authority also recovered an intact black box from the wreckage, which could help investigators determine what happened before the impact.
For Highlanders, the tragedy is deeply personal. The club says its final communication with Chivayo came just moments before his death.
Jah Prayzah postpones wedding after Wicknell Chivayo’s death
Briefly News also reported that Zimbabwean musician Jah Prayzah postponed his wedding after the death of Wicknell Chivayo and his wife, Lucy, in the Marondera helicopter crash.
The singer had been due to marry on 3 October 2026 but said the sudden loss had left him and his fiancée unable to proceed with the celebration.
The musician described Chivayo as more than a friend, calling him “family” and a “brother” who had walked alongside them through different chapters of their lives.
PAY ATTENTION: Stay informed and follow us on Google News!
Source: Briefly News
