Wicknell Chivayo Helicopter Crash Victims Identified: Zim Minister Tino Machakaire Confirms Names
- Zimbabwean millionaire businessman Wicknell Chivayo and his wife Lucy were killed when a Bell 430 helicopter crashed near Marondera on Wednesday evening
- The aircraft was travelling from Chikomba to Harare when it went down at around 5 PM, with police confirming the crash
- Zimbabwe's Minister of Youth Empowerment Tino Machakaire named all five people aboard in a Facebook post, identifying both pilots as well
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Source: Instagram
Zimbabwe's Minister of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training, Tino Machakaire, has confirmed the identities of all five people killed in a helicopter crash near Marondera on Wednesday, 30 September 2026.
The Bell 430 helicopter was en route from Chikomba to Harare when it went down in a rural area of Marondera at approximately 5 p.m., according to family spokesman Herbert Chivayo. Zimbabwe Police confirmed the crash but did not immediately release the names of those on board.
Wicknell Chivayo helicopter crash victims named
In a Facebook post published on Thursday, 1 October 2026, Minister Machakaire identified the victims as millionaire businessman Wicknell Chivayo, his wife Lucy Chivayo (née Muteki), Miss Senelisiwe Magagula, Captain Kelvin T Soda, and Captain Courage Mutavirwa.
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Wicknell Chivayo, a prominent and at times controversial Zimbabwean businessman, would have turned 46 in November. His wife Lucy perished alongside him.
Zimbabwe minister pays tribute to victims
In his condolence message, Machakaire wrote:
"I write this with a deeply broken heart following the tragic loss of five precious lives aboard the Bell 430 helicopter flight from Chikomba to Harare. They left their loved ones never knowing that it would be their final journey. In a single moment, families lost people they loved, voices they knew and lives they still expected to share tomorrow with."
He added:
"My heart and deepest condolences go to the families and loved ones of Mr Wicknell Chivhayo, Mrs Lucy Chivhayo (née Muteki), Miss Senelisiwe Magagula, Captain Kelvin T Soda and Captain Courage Mutavirwa. May God hold every grieving family close and give them strength through these darkest hours. Gone too soon."
Watch Minister Machakaire's full tribute on Facebook:
The cause of the crash had not been officially confirmed at the time of publication. Investigations into the incident are still being conducted by the relevant Zimbabwean authorities.
Passion Java's old prophecy goes viral
Meanwhile, Briefly News reported that a cryptic prophecy clip by Passion Java resurfaced online after Chivayo's death, with many claiming it predicted his fate.
Peeps were divided over whether Java's words were a genuine prophecy or something far more sinister.
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Source: Briefly News
