Airplane accident
Details
Event title
Zimbabwe - Chivayo dies in helicopter crash
Source
Severity
Low
Event date (UTC)
2026-10-01 13:58:53
Last update (UTC)
2026-10-01 13:58:53
Area range
Local event
Address/Affected area(s)
Marondera, Mashonaland East Province
Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo, who earlier this year pledged about E3 billion towards a proposed 300MW solar project in Eswatini, has died in a helicopter crash in Zimbabwe.
Chivayo and his wife, Lucy Muteke, were among six people killed when the private helicopter crashed in the Maronderarural area, about 72 kilometres east of Harare, on Wednesday afternoon, September 30, 2026. Police confirmed that six people were aboard the aircraft, while Chivayo’s family confirmed his death and that of his wife.
The businessman’s death comes just months after he established a high-profile relationship with the Kingdom of Eswatini, following a meeting with His Majesty King Mswati III in June. During the visit, Chivayo was granted Eswatini citizenship and presented with a diplomatic passport, with the development linked to his philanthropic activities and interest in investment and infrastructure development.
Chivayo subsequently committed about E3 billion towards the development of a 300MW solar power project in the Kingdom through his company, Intratrek Holdings. The proposed project was to be developed as an independent power producer on 120 hectares of land made available for the development.