Zimbabwe Business Magnate Wicknell Chivayo and Wife Killed in Helicopter Crash

Government spokesman Nick Mangwana confirmed the incident, stating the helicopter was carrying “a prominent businessman, three other passengers and two pilots.” He added that “current information indicates no survivors” in the crash.

Chivayo served as managing director of Intratrek Zimbabwe and cultivated a prominent public profile through government contracts, charitable work, and displays of wealth on social media.

His notable business ventures included a $172 million (£128 million) solar power project in Gwanda, awarded to Intratrek by the state-owned Zimbabwe Power Company, which became embroiled in years of legal disputes.

He also faced scrutiny over the procurement of materials for Zimbabwe’s controversial 2023 elections. Zimbabwe’s anti-corruption commission investigated allegations related to contracts awarded to South African firm Ren-Form but closed the inquiry in 2025, finding no evidence linking Chivayo or the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission to any wrongdoing.

Chivayo was known for distributing luxury vehicles and substantial sums of money to musicians, religious leaders, and other public figures, frequently documenting these gifts on social media.

His network extended across the continent. Kenyan President William Ruto, who had previously appeared publicly with Chivayo, described him as a “dear friend” and offered condolences to the families of those killed. “I will remember him for his friendship, his energy, and his deep conviction in the possibilities of our continent,” Ruto stated.

Chivayo often showcased his access to African leaders, sharing photographs of meetings with Zambia’s Hakainde Hichilema, South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa, Tanzania’s Samia Suluhu Hassan, and Eswatini’s King Mswati III.

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