Wicknell Chivayo dies in Harare helicopter crash as black box probe begins

The death of Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo, his wife and four others in a helicopter crash has sent shockwaves through political and business circles in Africa, as investigators began examining what caused the aircraft to go down near Harare. Officials said the cause of the crash has not yet been established.

Chivayo, 43, was a close ally of Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa and was widely known for his extravagant public image, multimillion-dollar gifts and ties with several African leaders. In a condolence message, Mnangagwa said he was "numbed" by the death and described Chivayo as "consummately philanthropic".

Family spokesperson Herbert Chivayo said the process of identifying the victims was "painful" because of the impact and damage caused by Wednesday's fiery crash. The Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe said preliminary observations showed that the helicopter hit the ground, spilling fuel that ignited and burned the surrounding grass.

State broadcaster ZBC News reported that a black box was being examined. The mangled wreckage remained on the burnt grass as workers from a funeral parlour collected the victims' remains.

The scene stood in sharp contrast to the flamboyant life Chivayo presented in public. Just hours before the crash, he had posted photographs of two luxury vehicles that he said he was gifting to two of his lawyers, along with USD 750,000 in cash. He ended the post with the words: "Saved the best for last." Such giveaways were central to the image he built around his wealth and generosity.

Over the years, Chivayo gave away dozens of luxury cars, buses, cash and other gifts to celebrities, church leaders, sports figures, politicians and social media followers, often sharing these acts online. His Rolls-Royces, private aircraft, designer shoes, luxury watches, foreign shopping trips and multimillion-dollar gifts were a constant presence on social media.

He was also known for his close ties with African political leaders. Chivayo frequently posted photographs and videos of meetings with presidents including Mnangagwa, Kenya's William Ruto, Tanzania's Samia Suluhu Hassan, Uganda's Yoweri Museveni and Nigeria's Bola Tinubu.

In August, he posted a video showing Ruto driving him to a helicopter after attending a traditional engagement ceremony involving the Kenyan president's daughter. "I've lived large and had many different and exceptionally beautiful experiences in my opulent lifestyle, but certainly this was the first," Chivayo wrote. In the video, Ruto and Chivayo are seen laughing, while Chivayo's wife smiles from the back seat. Ruto called him "a dear friend."

Chivayo had received multiple government contracts, some of which drew controversy or allegations of fraud. Those allegations were thrown out by courts or dismissed by investigating authorities.

His death also drew sharply divided reactions in Zimbabwe. Some social media users openly celebrated it, pointing to his wealth, political connections, the country's economic hardships and allegations around his business dealings. One prominent news website carried the headline: "We are not mourning - Zimbabweans celebrate death of controversial businessman." Others objected to that response. Opposition lawmaker Chalton Hwende wrote, "What kind of people are we who celebrate someone's death? It's un-African."

The crash has therefore left behind both grief and debate: a businessman known for his public generosity, luxury lifestyle and political access has died with five others, while investigators work to establish what brought the helicopter down.

With PTI Inputs