A helicopter crashed in rural Marondera on Wednesday evening, killing everyone on board, while reports continued to link prominent businessman Sir Wicknell Chivayo and his wife, Lucy “Lulu” Muteke, to the aircraft.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirmed that an aircraft went down in the Marondera Rural area at about 5pm. The force said six people were aboard, although the names of the victims had not been released at the time of the initial statement.
“The ZRP confirms a plane crash in Marondera Rural area at 1700 hours, this evening. The aircraft had six occupants. More details will be released in due course as the scene is currently being attended,” police said.
The aircraft was widely linked to Chivayo after reports spread that a helicopter believed to be carrying the businessman had gone down. His name became the immediate focus of public attention due to his high-profile lifestyle and frequent use of private aircraft. However, official police statements remained cautious, noting that identities would only be released after relatives were notified.
Later on Wednesday evening, government spokesperson Nick Mangwana confirmed the crash was fatal. “The Government wishes to confirm that a helicopter crash has occurred, involving one high-profile businessman, three other passengers, and two pilots. Current information indicates that there were no survivors in this crash,” Mangwana stated, extending condolences to the families involved.
Mangwana said that the identities of those who died would be released by the police after the necessary procedures had been completed.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police will confirm the names of the victims in due course.”
He also offered condolences to the families and friends of those killed.
“We extend our deepest condolences and prayers to the victims, their families, and their friends during this difficult time.”
Despite the government’s confirmation of a “high-profile businessman” being among the deceased, they stopped short of naming Chivayo or his wife. The investigation is now expected to examine the aircraft’s flight path, mechanical condition, and the weather at the time of the incident. Investigators will also recover maintenance records and communication logs between the pilots and ground authorities to determine the cause of the disaster.
This incident follows a string of recent aviation accidents in Zimbabwe. In September 2024, an Air Force helicopter crashed during an abortive take-off at Masvingo Airport, and in April 2021, a helicopter crash in a residential area outside Harare claimed the lives of three crew members and a child. Other incidents include a 2022 crash near Chibhero Agricultural College and a 2023 light-aircraft crash in Mashava that killed six people, including an Indian businessman.
The Marondera crash has drawn intense scrutiny due to Chivayo’s public persona. Known as “Sir Wicknell,” he is famous for his displays of extreme wealth, including luxury vehicles, expensive watches, and the recent acquisition of a Gulfstream G550 jet. While he has been a polarizing figure due to his business dealings and political connections, he is also known for high-value philanthropic donations to musicians and religious figures.
As of Wednesday night, police and emergency personnel remained at the crash site to recover the victims and gather evidence. While the public awaits the official list of names, the scene remains secured as authorities work to provide a definitive account of the tragedy.
The crash quickly became the subject of intense discussion on social media after reports emerged that the aircraft may have been carrying Chivayo. Images of the businessman and Lulu Muteke were widely circulated as people sought information about their whereabouts.
Chivayo is one of Zimbabwe’s best-known businessmen and has built a high public profile through his lavish lifestyle, political connections, charitable donations and frequent appearances on social media. He has often shared photographs and videos of luxury vehicles, private aircraft, large gatherings and family events.
Muteke, popularly known as Lulu, has also attracted significant attention online. She and Chivayo have appeared together at public functions and in photographs shared with followers. Their relationship and wedding celebrations have been widely discussed in Zimbabwe, particularly because of the businessman’s public displays of wealth.