HARARE, Zimbabwe — October 1, 2026

Prominent Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo and his wife, Lucy “Lulu” Muteke, were among six people killed when a helicopter crashed in Marondera Rural, Mashonaland East Province, on Wednesday evening.

The helicopter crashed at about 5 p.m. on September 30 at a farm near Waddilove Mission, according to Zimbabwean authorities. The aircraft had six people on board, including two pilots. Authorities said there were no survivors.

The deaths of Chivayo and Muteke were subsequently confirmed by family spokesperson Herbert Chivayo, who told Zimbabwe's state broadcaster ZBC News that the family was devastated by the tragedy.

Zimbabwe Republic Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed that a helicopter carrying six occupants had crashed in the Marondera Rural area at around 5 p.m., saying further details would be released as investigations continued.

Government spokesperson Nick Mangwana said the aircraft was carrying a high-profile businessman, four passengers and two pilots. He said initial information indicated that there were no survivors.

The cause of the crash had not yet been established, with emergency personnel and investigators attending the scene. Police also initially withheld the identities of the victims pending formal identification and notification of next of kin.

Chivayo, who was 43, was one of Zimbabwe's most prominent and publicly visible businessmen. He frequently attracted attention through his social-media presence, high-profile relationships and widely publicised donations to individuals, sporting organisations, churches and other causes. His business activities and political connections had also attracted public scrutiny and allegations, which he denied.

His death has sent shockwaves through Zimbabwe, with tributes beginning to emerge following confirmation from his family.

Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the crash are expected to continue as authorities work to establish what caused the helicopter to go down.