WICKNELL CHIVAYO, WIFE KILLED IN MARONDERA HELICOPTER CRASH

September 30, 2026

MARONDERA, Zimbabwe — Prominent Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo and his wife, Lucy “Lulu” Muteke, have died after a helicopter crashed in Marondera Rural, about 70 kilometres east of Harare, on Wednesday evening.

Zimbabwean authorities confirmed that the aircraft crashed at around 5pm, with no survivors reported.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police initially said the aircraft had six occupants and that emergency services were attending the crash site. Government spokesperson Nick Mangwana later said the helicopter was carrying a high-profile businessman, passengers and two pilots, with no survivors.

Chivayo and his wife were subsequently confirmed among the victims by a family spokesperson.

The crash has triggered a major emergency response in the Marondera area, while authorities work to formally identify all the victims and establish the circumstances surrounding the accident.

The cause of the crash has not yet been established, and investigations are expected to follow.

Police have said further details, including the identities of the other victims, will be released as the investigation progresses.