Wicknell Chivayo: Zimbabwean businessman and spouse killed in helicopter crash

Earlier, authorities spokesman Nick Mangwana confirmed the crash, saying the helicopter was carrying “a outstanding businessman, three different passengers and two pilots”.

“Present data signifies that there have been no survivors on this crash,” Mangwana posted on X.

Chivayo was the managing director of Intratrek Zimbabwe and had constructed a excessive public profile via authorities contracts, philanthropy and shows of wealth on social media.

Amongst his best-known enterprise ventures was a $172m (£128m) solar energy undertaking in Gwanda awarded to Intratrek by the state-owned Zimbabwe Energy Firm. The undertaking turned the topic of years of authorized disputes.

He additionally got here below scrutiny over the procurement of supplies for Zimbabwe’s disputed 2023 elections. Zimbabwe’s anti-corruption fee investigated allegations surrounding contracts awarded to South African firm Ren-Type however closed the inquiry in 2025, saying it had discovered no proof linking Chivayo or the Zimbabwe Electoral Fee to wrongdoing.

Extensively referred to as “Sir Wicknell”, Chivayo incessantly used the title publicly and on social media, though he was by no means given a British knighthood.

He was additionally recognized for making a gift of luxurious automobiles and huge sums of cash to musicians, non secular leaders and different public figures, typically publicising the items on social media.

His connections prolonged past Zimbabwe.

Kenya’s President William Ruto, who had beforehand appeared in public with Chivayo, paid tribute to him as a “expensive pal” and despatched condolences to the households of these killed.

“I’ll bear in mind him for his friendship, his vitality and his deep conviction within the prospects of our continent,” Ruto added.

Kenyan opposition figures had questioned Chivayo’s repeated entry to Ruto and State Home.

He incessantly publicised his entry to African leaders, posting images of conferences with presidents together with Zambia’s Hakainde Hichilema, South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa and Tanzania’s Samia Suluhu Hassan, in addition to Eswatini’s King Mswati III.