Prominent Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo, “Sir Wicknell,” and his wife Lucy “Lulu” Muteke have died in a private helicopter crash. The crash, which involved four other people, occurred in Mashonaland East Province at approximately 5:00 pm on Wednesday, 30 September 2026.
The aircraft went down at Kudenga Farm, roughly 40 minutes after taking off from Chikomba district, where the couple had been overseeing construction of a rural home. Zimbabwe Republic Police confirmed all six occupants died.
Family spokesperson Herbert Chivayo later verified the deaths of Chivayo and Muteke to ZBC, describing the family as devastated. 
Preliminary findings from the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe noted fuel spillage on impact followed by a grass fire. Investigators recovered the black box intact, and the cause remains under investigation.
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An Elite Socialite Life Cut Short
Chivayo was born on November 22, 1980, in the Gandami area of Chivhu and built a high-profile career through his company Intratrek Zimbabwe.
He was known for securing major government infrastructure contracts, living a lavish public lifestyle, maintaining close ties to political figures, including African presidents, and staying frequently visible online. He had faced repeated scrutiny and legal challenges over business dealings but denied wrongdoing.
Chivayo married Muteke in 2025 and was reported to have two children from a previous relationship who were not on the flight.
The Plane Crash Prediction on X
On May 28, 2025, an X user Susan Mutami (@mutami_susan) wrote of Chivayo:
“He knows it’s the truth, and the truth hurts. Wicknell will die in a plane crash very soon. Save this post.”
The remark did not emerge from a vacuum or any prophetic vision. It grew out of a heated personal and political confrontation on X in May 2025 between Mutami and Chivayo.
Mutami is a pro-democracy human rights activist, philanthropist, and businesswoman who had long been critical of Chivayo.
In a public thread, she labelled him a “thief” and a political mouthpiece rather than a genuine businessman or philanthropist. She referenced his past associations, mocked aspects of his personal life, and made clear she had no interest in his money or lifestyle.
When another user suggested Chivayo might die of a heart attack, Mutami countered with the specific plane crash prediction and asked people to save the post.
Around the same time, private messages between them included her telling him, “Your days are numbered.” Chivayo replied dismissively and then blocked her.
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Online Reaction
Tributes and mixed reactions have poured in from his political and business circles. On the other hand, speculation and conspiracy theories about his controversial legacy have filled social media.
Also, additional clips of pastors discussing visions involving aircraft have resurfaced, adding further layers to the conversation.
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