Zimbabwean Millionaire Wicknell Chivayo Splashed Millions on Pastors, Church Members, Lawyers in His Final 6 Days
Zimbabwean millionaire Wicknell Chivayo spent his final days giving away millions of US dollars in vehicles and cash, supporting football and spending time with prominent religious leaders.
Chivayo, 43, and his wife, Lucy Muteke, were killed on Wednesday when their helicopter crashed in rural Marondera. Six people were aboard and there were no survivors.
Six Days Before His Death: 15 Toyota Fortuners
Six days before his death, Chivayo announced 15 brand-new 2026 Toyota Fortuner 2.4 GD6 vehicles for members of his church family from Murehwa, Negomo and Domboshava.
He valued the vehicles at US$1.2 million and said each beneficiary would also receive US$5,000 cash, bringing the announced package to about US$1.275 million.
Calling the gift a celebration of their service, he wrote: “Your continued commitment to the Church… have not gone unnoticed.”
Around the same period, Chivayo’s generosity also met an unusual response when Advocate Lewis Uriri declined a gift package that included a 2026 Range Rover Sport Autobiography and cash.
Uriri and his wife rejected the package, with the lawyer saying accepting the gifts could create a perception of a financial obligation beyond their professional relationship.
Uriri’s response was simple: “We must respectfully decline the vehicle and both cash gifts.”
Chivayo later said he respected the decision and maintained that the offer was intended as appreciation.
Four Days Before His Death: “Dining With Grace”
Four days before the crash, Chivayo and his wife hosted Prophet Emmanuel Makandiwa for dinner at their home.
He described the evening as “dining with grace”, saying he valued the conversations, laughter and spiritual wisdom shared around the table.
The same period also saw Chivayo and his wife attend the House of Treasures Church Conference, where they met Apostle Joshua Selman and Apostle Felix Okoh.
After meeting Selman, Chivayo wrote that some meetings were “DIVINE APPOINTMENTS” and said he was seeking prayers for wisdom, protection, favour and direction.
Three Days Before His Death: Support For Apostle Mwazha
Three days before his death, Chivayo spoke about a vehicle he had bought for Apostle Paul Mwazha that involves accident within two days and claim life of person.
He defending his continued support for religious figures, In his post, Chivayo claimed that he had donated more than US$100 million and 3,000 vehicles through his charitable work.
His message was clear: “I WILL NEVER STOP.”
He said he would continue supporting what he called the “HOUSE OF THE LORD” and advancing the work of the church.
One Day Before His Death: Nearly US$1 Million For Two Lawyers
One day before his death, Chivayo announced another major round of gifts for two lawyers he had known for decades.
He said Advocate Wilson Tatenda Manase would receive a 2026 Lexus GX 550 valued at US$220,000, together with US$250,000 cash.
Chivayo described Manase as more than a lawyer, calling him a “FATHER FIGURE, MENTOR, BROTHER, ADVISER” who had known him since 1998.
For Advocate Sylvester Hashiti, he announced a 2026 Range Rover Sport Autobiography and US$500,000 cash.
Chivayo joked about the gift, saying: “there’s no law that restricts wealthy clients from spoiling their lawyers again.”
The disclosed value of the Lexus and cash alone was US$970,000, before adding the value of Hashiti’s Range Rover.
His Final Football Contribution
On the day of his death, Chivayo also made what became one of his final public financial contributions — US$250,000 to Highlanders Football Club.
The payment was reportedly made around 1pm, about four hours before the fatal helicopter crash. Highlanders said his support over the previous two years had exceeded US$2 million, helping with staff obligations, infrastructure and a team bus.
The club described him as a continued friend and supporter and thanked him for the latest contribution.
Chivayo built his wealth through business interests, particularly in energy and infrastructure, including Intratrek Zimbabwe. His public profile also extended into other commercial interests.
He was married to Lucy Muteke, who died alongside him in the helicopter crash.
Based only on the amounts disclosed in these final-day announcements, Chivayo’s gifts and Highlanders contribution amounted to at least about US$2.5 million, excluding the value of Hashiti’s Range Rover.
About the Authors
Aneli Fura is a Senior Editor at The Updated World, where he oversees and contributes to general news coverage across Namibia. His reporting focuses on crime, accidents, local developments, and other important stories affecting communities across the country.
The Updated World delivers timely and well-researched articles on various topics, including the latest news updates, health, wellness, sports, current affairs, and more.
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