Harare- Government has instituted a full investigation following a Bell 430 helicopter crash at Kudenga Farm in Mashonaland East Province which claimed the lives of all five people on board, including prominent businessman Wicknell Chivayo and his wife Lucy Muteke.

Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona briefed Cabinet on the accident, which occurred on September 30, 2026.

The aircraft, registered in Zimbabwe as Z-PED and operated by Sky Helicopters Private Limited, was on a private flight from Gandami in Chikomba District to Marondera when it crashed.

The victims were identified as pilot Captain Calvin Soda, passengers prominent businessman, Wicknell Chivayo and his wife, Lucy Muteke, Sanelisiwe Magagula, and Captain Courage Mutavira.

Chivayo, 43, was a Zimbabwean businessman who rose from humble beginnings to become one of the country’s most prominent – and controversial – business figures.

Born in 1982 in Gandami, Chikomba, he lost his father at a young age and was raised by his mother. Financial difficulties disrupted his education, and he worked as a wages clerk at a bus company before entering Harare’s informal commercial world, where he traded foreign currency at Ximex Mall.

He later founded Intratrek Zimbabwe, an energy and infrastructure company that secured major government contracts, most notably a US$173 million solar power project in Gwanda. Chivayo’s business dealings were dogged by corruption allegations, particularly in connection with an advance payment he received for the stalled Gwanda solar project, for which he was charged with fraud and money laundering in 2018. He denied wrongdoing.

In addition to his business activities, Chivayo was known for his lavish lifestyle and conspicuous philanthropy, frequently gifting luxury vehicles and cash to individuals and institutions across Zimbabwe and Africa.

His social media accounts featured images of private jets, Rolls Royces, and high-profile relationships with African heads of state, including President Mnangagwa and Kenyan President William Ruto.

President Mnangagwa described the deaths as leaving the nation “numbed and in deep shock and grief,” while President Ruto called Chivayo “a dear friend whose warmth touched many people”.

According to the government, a full investigation has been instituted pursuant to Annexure 13 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation and the Civil Aviation Act Chapter 13:15.

Preliminary on-site investigations have been concluded, with the wreckage recovered to the Government Hangar at Charles Prince Airport for detailed forensic examination involving international experts.

A preliminary report is expected within 30 days of the accident, in line with international investigation standards. The report will detail examination of the wreckage, meteorological information, maintenance records, operator records, and crew records.

“The public is informed that… further updates will be given as the nation mourns together with the bereaving families on this tragic and sad loss,” the cabinet statement confirmed.