Wicknell Chivayo: Soldiers Reportedly Sent to Guard Businessman’s Mansion Hours After His Death
- Investigative journalist Maynard Manyowa reported on the security detail around Wicknell Chivayo's home following his death
- Chivayo, his wife Lucy Muteke, and three others were killed in a helicopter crash on 30 September 2026
- Social media users weighed in on the news, sharing mixed reactions to the decision and the reported reasons for it
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Source: UGC
Byron Pillay, a Briefly News journalist, has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He worked as a newspaper journalist for 10 years before transitioning to online.
ZIMBABWE — Soldiers were reportedly stationed outside the Harare mansion of businessman Wicknell Chivayo within hours of his death, according to investigative journalist Maynard Manyowa.
Chivayo and his wife, Lucy Muteke, known as Lulu, were among five people killed in a helicopter crash on 30 September 2026. The other victims were identified as Senelisiwe Magagula, Captain Kelvin T Soda, and Captain Courage Mutavirwa.
Shortly after news of their deaths broke, Manyowa alleged that armed soldiers were dispatched to the couple's residence in the Gletwin suburb of Harare.
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Soldiers sent to protect 'the loot'
According to Manyowa, the military deployment was not a standard security measure. He stated the soldiers were sent to "ensure the loot at his place doesn't get nicked," suggesting concerns about valuable assets stored at the property.
Manyowa further claimed that the Tanzanian president offered to send personal aides to help secure the mansion, an allegation that, if confirmed, would point to significant cross-border interest in the property's contents.
How did social media react?
The claims attracted considerable attention online.
Some observers linked the reported military presence to a notable change in funeral arrangements: the couple's service was held at a relative's home rather than at their Gletwin mansion, which some suggested was a direct consequence of the property being locked down.
@KRangarirai wrote:
"His house is not barricaded. I live close to his house in Gletywn. There have always been security guys at his place. Nothing has changed."
@Mathuthu claimed about the new funeral venue:
"The uncle said it was their decision. They don't want people foraging through his house."
@igweeboss added:
"Besides money and gold, there is a lot of paper trail in that house which can expose even ED himself. African leaders are evil."
@Ariseekklesi remarked:
"No honour among thieves."
@faraiwande said:
"Not even surprised by this."
The claims remain unverified, and no official statement has been issued regarding the reported military presence at the property.
Chivayo's children were not on board the helicopter
Briefly News also reported that Chivayo's two children from his previous marriage were confirmed safe and were not aboard the doomed aircraft.
The Zimbabwean millionaire and his new wife Lucy died in the helicopter crash near Marondera on Wednesday, 30 September 2026.
The crash, which occurred at around 5 pm, also claimed the lives of two crew members and one other individual.
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Source: Briefly News
