Zimbabwe tycoon Wicknell Chivayo and wife killed in helicopter crash

Zimbabwe tycoon Wicknell Chivayo and his wife were killed in a helicopter crash, authorities confirmed. Nick Mangwana, speaking as the government spokesperson, said the chopper was carrying "a salient businessman, 3 different passengers and 2 pilots". He added, "Current accusation indicates that determination were nary survivors successful this crash," Mangwana posted connected X. Chivayo served as managing manager of Intratrek Zimbabwe and cultivated a high‑profile nationalist image through state contracts, philanthropy and ostentatious displays of wealth on social media. Among his most notable ventures was a $172m (£128m) star power project in Gwanda awarded to Intratrek by the state‑owned Zimbabwe Power Company; the initiative later became the subject of years of legal disputes. He also attracted scrutiny over the procurement of materials for Zimbabwe's disputed 2023 elections. The country's anti‑corruption commission investigated allegations tied to contracts awarded to South African firm Ren‑Form, closing the inquiry in 2025 and stating it had found no evidence linking Chivayo or the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission to wrongdoing. Widely known as "Sir Wicknell", Chivayo frequently used the title publicly and online, although he never received a British knighthood. He was also recognized for giving luxury cars and large sums of money to musicians, religious leaders and other nationalist figures, often publicising those gifts on social media. His connections reached beyond Zimbabwe. Kenyan President William Ruto, who had previously appeared alongside Chivayo at national events, paid tribute to him as a "dear friend" and sent condolences to the families of those killed. Ruto said, "I volition retrieve him for his friendship, his vigor and his heavy condemnation successful the possibilities of our continent," adding that he would remember Chivayo for those qualities. Kenyan analysts have questioned Chivayo’s repeated access to Ruto and the State House. He often showcased his meetings with African leaders, posting photographs with Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema, South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa, Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan and Eswatini’s King Mswati III.