Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo, known for his extravagant lifestyle and controversial government contracts, has died in a helicopter crash alongside his wife, Lucy Muteke, and other passengers in Zimbabwe.
The 45-year-old was reportedly travelling to Harare, the country’s capital, after visiting his rural home when the helicopter crashed into a field on Wednesday. Everyone on board was reported dead, according to local media reports and a government spokesman.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the crash. Images broadcast from the scene showed the burnt wreckage scattered across a field.
Chivayo’s death has drawn contrasting reactions, reflecting the divisions surrounding his business dealings and political connections. While some mourned the loss, others criticised his alleged involvement in corruption, citing the economic difficulties faced by ordinary Zimbabweans.
Brandspur Politics gathered that Chivayo had developed close relationships with several African leaders, including Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Kenyan President William Ruto. Both leaders expressed grief over his death and that of his wife.
Mnangagwa praised Chivayo’s charitable activities, while Ruto described him as a friend whose warmth had touched many people.
Chivayo regularly showcased his wealth on social media, posting images of private jets, helicopters and luxury vehicles, including Rolls-Royces. He also shared videos of himself giving away cars and cash and photographs with political leaders across Africa.
However, his wealth and links to Zimbabwe’s ruling ZANU-PF party attracted scrutiny, particularly over lucrative government contracts awarded to his businesses.
In 2015, he secured a $173 million contract for a major solar power project in Zimbabwe. After the project experienced repeated delays, he was charged with fraud and money laundering in 2018 over an advance payment linked to the deal. The charges were later dismissed, although the project remained incomplete at the time of his death.
He was also accused of involvement in a scheme to secure materials for Zimbabwe’s 2023 national election, but the country’s anti-corruption authorities cleared him of wrongdoing.
Before establishing himself in business, Chivayo worked as an illegal foreign currency dealer on the streets of Harare. In 2004, he was sentenced to three years in prison for fraud connected to a transaction he was expected to carry out.
His death has renewed attention on his controversial career, which combined high-profile political relationships, charitable gestures and persistent allegations over public contracts.
