Helicopter crashes in Zimbabwe, killing Wicknell Chivayo, the man who rubbed shoulders with presidents
The Zimbabwean Tycoon who used to rub shoulders with a number of African leaders is dead.
Wicknell Chivayo was killed in a helicopter crash on Wednesday the 30th of September 2026.
The family of Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo has confirmed his death.
His chopper was involved in the accident which occurred in Marondera.
Chivayo and five other passengers perished on spot.
A spokesperson for the Billionaire’s family, Herbert Chivayo, confirmed that the businessman and his wife, Lucy Muteke, were among those killed in the crash.
The confirmation came after Zimbabwean authorities reported the fatal helicopter crash in the Marondera Rural area, about 70 kilometres east of Harare.
The aircraft went down at about 5 p.m. local time, with authorities later confirming that there were no survivors.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police had initially said six people were aboard the helicopter, although early statements from government officials reported conflicting numbers.
Authorities have not yet established the cause of the crash, and investigations are expected to determine what led to the accident.
Chivayo was always seen with presidents, ministers and other celebrities with big names.
He was recently seen being driven around by the President of Kenya, William Ruto, after attending the latter’s daughter wedding.
Most recently, his company Intratrek Zimbabwe was preparing to resume work on the long-delayed Gwanda Solar Project after the Zimbabwe Power Company issued a formal Notice to Proceed earlier this month.
The 100-megawatt solar project, awarded to Intratrek in 2014, had been stalled for years amid a dispute between the company and Zimbabwe Power Company.
Billionaires Africa reported that in September, the two sides reached a new stage in the project, with Intratrek expected to return to the site and complete the development within 24 months. The revised project cost was reported at less than US$132 million, compared with the original US$172 million contract.
The development was among Chivayo’s most recent business activities before his death and represented a renewed push to complete a project that had become one of the most closely watched energy contracts associated with his company.
Chivayo, who founded Intratrek Zimbabwe, built his business interests around energy, infrastructure, transport and other sectors. His company has also pursued renewable energy and power-generation opportunities outside Zimbabwe.
His regional business profile expanded in 2026.
In June, Chivayo received Eswatini citizenship and a diplomatic passport from King Mswati III, after which he announced a proposed 300-megawatt solar project in the kingdom.
He also maintained a high public profile through his social media accounts, where he regularly documented his business activities, philanthropy and luxury purchases.
In recent months, he had continued to make large public donations and investments, including financial support for sporting and religious figures.
His business activities had also attracted public scrutiny, particularly around government-linked contracts and the Gwanda solar project.
Chivayo maintained that his businesses had operated within the law and had defended his record in relation to the disputes surrounding the project.
The businessman’s death now comes as Intratrek was preparing to return to the Gwanda solar site following the latest government directive, leaving the future implementation of the project to the company’s management and its partners.
Authorities are continuing investigations into the Marondera helicopter crash.
Further details on the circumstances of the accident and the identities of the other victims are expected as the investigation progresses.