Prominent Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo and his wife, Lucy Muteke, were tragically killed on October 1, 2026, when their Bell 430 helicopter crashed at Kudenga Farm in Marondera. The couple was reportedly en route from their rural home in Gandami, Chikomba East. Three other individuals also perished in the devastating incident, which left bodies severely fragmented and some remains destroyed by fire.
The aviation authority has launched an investigation into the cause of the crash. The couple’s burial is scheduled for Thursday at Glen Forest Cemetery in Harare, despite some remains, including their heads, still missing.
Chivayo, a controversial but well-known figure, had recently been in the headlines in South Africa. South African content creator and entrepreneur Mihlali Ndamase took to social media to vehemently deny rumors romantically linking her to the late businessman, accusing social media users of spreading fabricated claims about her personal life.
Key Players Involved
- Wicknell Chivayo: Deceased Zimbabwean businessman and socialite.
- Lucy Muteke: Deceased wife of Wicknell Chivayo.
- Mihlali Ndamase: South African digital influencer who publicly denied romantic links to Chivayo.
- Aviation Authorities: Investigating the cause of the helicopter crash.
Event Timeline
- October 1, 2026: Helicopter carrying Wicknell Chivayo, his wife, and three others crashes in Marondera, Zimbabwe.
- October 5, 2026: Mihlali Ndamase addresses social media rumors regarding her alleged relationship with Chivayo.
- October 8, 2026 (Scheduled): Burial of Wicknell Chivayo and Lucy Muteke at Glen Forest Cemetery.
