Celebrity Breeze Bringing you fascinating stories
Related Articles
Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo and his wife, Lucy “Lulu” Muteke, have reportedly been killed in a helicopter crash near Marondera, amid growing uncertainty over the identities of the victims.
The crash happened on Wednesday, 30 September 2026, with the Government confirming that there were no survivors.
ZimLive subsequently reported that Chivayo and Lulu were among those who died in the crash, which reportedly claimed six lives.
However, authorities have not yet officially released the names of those who were on board, meaning the identities of the victims remain subject to formal confirmation by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP).
Government Confirms Fatal Helicopter Crash
Government spokesperson Nick Mangwana confirmed the helicopter crash on Wednesday evening, saying the aircraft was carrying a high-profile businessman, passengers and two pilots.
In a statement, Mangwana said preliminary information indicated that everyone on board had died.
“The Government wishes to confirm that a helicopter crash has occurred, involving one high-profile businessman, four passengers, and two pilots.”
He added:
“Current information indicates that there were no survivors in this crash.”
Mangwana said the ZRP would release the names of the victims once the identities had been formally established.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police will confirm the names of the victims in due course.”
The Government also expressed condolences to the families and friends of those who lost their lives.
“We extend our deepest condolences and prayers to the victims, their families, and their friends during this difficult time.”
Importantly, the Government statement did not identify the businessman as Chivayo.
ZimLive Reports Chivayo And Lulu Were On Board
Shortly after the Government’s announcement, ZimLive reported that millionaire businessman Wicknell Chivayo was among those killed.
The publication also reported that his wife, Lucy “Lulu” Muteke, was among the victims.
ZimLive described the incident as a major breaking development and reported that there were no survivors.
The report came after the police confirmed that an aircraft had crashed in the Marondera Rural area at around 5pm.
The ZRP had stated:
“The ZRP confirms a plane crash in Marondera Rural area at 1700 hours. The aircraft had 6 occupants.”
The police statement therefore indicated that six people were aboard the aircraft.
Conflicting Figures Emerge
There is, however, a discrepancy in the number of people reported to have been on board.
The initial ZRP statement referred to six occupants, while the Government later said the aircraft was carrying one high-profile businessman, four passengers and two pilots.
Those categories add up to seven people.
Authorities had not publicly explained the difference at the time of reporting.
The discrepancy has added uncertainty to the early details surrounding the crash, although both statements agree that the aircraft went down near Marondera and that there were no survivors.
Chivayo And Lulu Identities Await Official Confirmation
Chivayo and Lulu’s reported deaths have not yet been formally confirmed by the Government through the release of the victims’ names.
For now, ZimLive remains the publication that has identified the couple as among those who died, while the Government has independently confirmed the crash and the deaths without naming the victims.
The ZRP is expected to formally release the identities once the necessary identification procedures have been completed.
The cause of the crash has also not yet been publicly established, and investigations are expected to determine what happened before the aircraft went down.
Until the police officially release the names, the identities reported by media outlets should be treated as preliminary.
