Online Reporter
Langalakhe Mabena, [email protected]
BULAWAYO musician Sandra Ndebele has joined scores of Zimbabweans mourning businessman and philanthropist Wicknell Chivayo and his wife, Lucy Muteke, who died in a helicopter crash on Wednesday.
Chivhayo and Muteke died on September 30, 2026, when the helicopter they were travelling in crashed at Kudenga Farm in the Marondera area.
The crash claimed the lives of all those on board, with investigations into the cause of the accident underway.
Ndebele, who had a close relationship with Chivayo and was among Zimbabwean artistes who benefited from his generosity, described the deaths as a devastating loss.
“I am deeply heartbroken and saddened by the passing of Wicknell Chivayo and his beloved wife Lucy Muteke. This is such a painful and devastating loss, and my heart goes out to their families, loved ones, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing them.
“May God comfort and strengthen the families during this incredibly difficult time. May their souls rest in eternal peace. Gone too soon. You will be deeply missed and forever remembered,” said Ndebele.
Ndebele was among a number of local artistes who received luxury vehicles from Chivayo as part of his highly publicised gestures of generosity.
In February 2024, Chivayo gifted Ndebele a 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE400d, valued at about US$155 000.
He said the gift was in recognition of her contribution at Zanu-PF rallies and her participation in 2023 elections as a councillor.
