Staff Writers
HARARE – The Citizens Against Economic Sanctions (CAES) interim leader Ellison Muchenje Samuriwo (pictured)has joined the nation in mourning prominent businessman and philanthropist Sir Wicknell Chivayo, who died in a helicopter crash on Wednesday.
Chivayo, 43, his wife Lucy Muteke and four others died when their helicopter went down near Marondera on 30 September 2026 at around 5pm. The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirmed the crash involved six occupants with no survivors, while family spokesperson Herbert Chivayo confirmed the couple’s deaths to local media.
In a condolence statement, Muchenje said Zimbabwe has lost a patriotic businessman whose philanthropy touched thousands of ordinary Zimbabweans.
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Sir Wicknell Chivayo together with his wife Lucy and other lives lost in the Marondera helicopter tragedy. On behalf of CAES, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the Chivayo family, His Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa and the nation at large,” Samuriwo said.
Samuriwo described Chivayo as a businessman who defied economic sanctions through local investment and empowerment.
“At a time when our country is fighting the effects of illegal economic sanctions, Sir Wicknell demonstrated what it means to believe in Zimbabwe. He invested at home, he created jobs, and he gave back with an open hand – from churches, to football, to gogo’s and ordinary citizens. He was a true example of self-sufficiency – that every nation is built by its own people,” he said.
CAES is an organization that advocates against the impact of economic sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe, arguing that such measures have negatively affected the country’s economy and ordinary citizens.
Samuriwo noted that Chivayo’s final hours were marked by giving.
“His final act was an act of giving. That tells you the kind of man he was. Even hours before his death, he was thinking about others,” Samuriwo said.
Chivayo, born 22 November 1982 in Chivhu, was the founder of Intratrek Zimbabwe and was known for his flamboyant lifestyle, close association with the Second Republic and massive philanthropic work across churches, artists, sport and community projects.
CAES said it will stand with the family during this difficult period and called for the nation to honour Chivayo’s legacy of generosity and patriotism.