Malawi Freedom Network 
By MFN News Desk
October 1, 2026
Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo and his wife, Lucy “Lulu” Muteke, have died after the helicopter they were travelling in crashed in the Marondera Rural area east of Harare.
The aircraft went down at around 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 30, with six people aboard. Zimbabwean authorities subsequently confirmed that there were no survivors.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) was the first to confirm the crash, saying emergency teams had been deployed to the scene.
Government spokesperson Nick Mangwana later confirmed the deaths, although authorities initially withheld the names of those aboard pending formal identification.
Family spokesperson Herbert Chivayo subsequently confirmed to Zimbabwean state broadcaster ZBC News that Wicknell Chivayo and Lucy Muteke were among those who died.
The crash brings to an abrupt end the life of one of Zimbabwe’s most recognisable and publicly visible businessmen.
A businessman known for his extraordinary public profile
Chivayo became particularly prominent through his business interests and his highly visible presence on social media.
He was known for displaying an extravagant lifestyle and for making high-value gifts and donations to celebrities, religious figures, football personalities and other public figures.
His business dealings and relationships with senior political figures also placed him frequently in the public spotlight. His activities had attracted scrutiny and allegations concerning some business and procurement matters, which he denied.
Beyond his business profile, Chivayo cultivated a large social-media following, where he regularly shared images of luxury vehicles, private aviation and meetings with prominent figures.
His death has therefore generated significant reaction in Zimbabwe and across the region.
Investigation underway
The circumstances surrounding the crash remain unclear.
Police have said the victims needed to be formally identified, while authorities have not yet announced what caused the helicopter to crash.
Investigators are expected to examine the aircraft and other circumstances surrounding the flight as they seek to establish what happened before the helicopter went down.
For now, authorities have confirmed the central facts: a helicopter carrying six people crashed in rural Marondera on Wednesday evening and there were no survivors.
Further details about the victims and the cause of the accident are expected as the investigation progresses.
MFN News Desk will continue to update this story as more verified information becomes available.
