Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo, wife die in helicopter crash

Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo and his wife, Lucy “Lulu” Muteke, have died in a helicopter crash in Marondera Rural, east of Harare.

The aircraft crashed at about 5pm on Wednesday with several people aboard, according to the Zimbabwe Republic Police.

Government spokesperson Nick Mangwana later confirmed that there were no survivors.

He said seven people were aboard the helicopter, including Chivayo, his wife, four other passengers and two pilots.

Authorities have yet to establish the cause of the crash, with investigations ongoing.

Chivayo, 45, was one of Zimbabwe’s prominent businessmen and had expanded his interests in the energy sector across Southern Africa.

In Zimbabwe, his company, Intratrek, was involved in the long-delayed Gwanda solar project. The Zimbabwe Power Company issued a notice to proceed with the project in September, paving the way for the 100-megawatt solar development to resume under revised terms reportedly valued at about $132 million.

Chivayo had also pursued energy investments outside Zimbabwe. Through Intratrek Holdings, he pledged about R3 billion ($163 million) towards a proposed 300MW solar project in Eswatini.

His expansion into Eswatini followed engagements with King Mswati III, after which reports emerged that Chivayo had been granted Eswatini citizenship and a diplomatic passport.

The businessman also came under public attention in Kenya over the proposed $2.9 billion expansion of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

Reports had linked his company, IMC Construction Kenya, to the project, but the Kenyan government later said the $1.2 billion contract was signed with China Road and Bridge Corporation and that Chivayo’s company did not participate in the bidding process.

Beyond business, Chivayo maintained a high public profile through philanthropic activities, including multimillion-dollar donations and gifts.

His death comes amid an expansion of his business interests across Southern Africa and growing public attention surrounding his activities.