A custom-built Rolls-Royce Phantom, valued at an estimated KSh 72 million (approximately US$500,000), has arrived in Harare, Zimbabwe, roughly two weeks after the burial of its late owner, flamboyant businessman Wicknell Chivayo. The luxury vehicle was reportedly commissioned months before Chivayo’s tragic death in a helicopter crash alongside his wife, Lucy Muteke.
The car completed its international transit and cleared customs after Chivayo had already been laid to rest, adding a striking postscript to his notoriously extravagant lifestyle. With Chivayo no longer alive to take possession, the bespoke Phantom is expected to fall under the management of his estate.
Chivayo was a polarizing figure known across Southern Africa for his opulent taste, including a collection of high-end marques like Rolls-Royce and Mercedes-Benz, and for gifting cars and cash to musicians and religious figures. His business dealings and close political connections often drew public scrutiny throughout his life.
Key Players Involved
- Wicknell Chivayo: Late Zimbabwean businessman known for his extravagant lifestyle and government contracts.
- Chivayo’s Estate: Now responsible for managing his assets, including the newly arrived Rolls-Royce.
- Luxury Car Dealerships: Reportedly owed substantial debts by Chivayo’s estate for other vehicles.
Event Timeline
- Months Prior to Death: Custom Rolls-Royce Phantom commissioned by Wicknell Chivayo.
- Recently: Wicknell Chivayo and his wife die in a helicopter crash.
- Two Weeks After Burial: The custom-built Rolls-Royce Phantom arrives in Harare, Zimbabwe (October 24, 2026).
