Tragic End: Zimbabwean Tycoon Chivayo and Wife Die Days After Emotional Altar Call

The tragic deaths of prominent Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo, 43, and his wife Lucy Muteke in a helicopter crash on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, in Marondera, have sent shockwaves through the community, prompting an outpouring of tributes and reflections on their lives. Investigations into the cause of the crash, which left no survivors, are currently underway.

Just four days prior to their untimely passing, the couple shared a deeply emotional and public moment of faith. On Saturday, September 26, 2026, Chivayo and Muteke were among worshippers who responded to an altar call led by Koinonia Global Ministries founder Apostle Joshua Selman at the "Vessels of Honour" prayer event. Hosted by House of Treasures Ministries founder Apostle Felix Okoh and his wife, Pastor Bulewa Okoh, the event saw Selman invite individuals to come forward and join a prayer of salvation to receive Jesus Christ.

Footage from the service captured the businessman and his wife standing among others, lifting their hands as Apostle Selman guided them through declarations of accepting Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour. Selman instructed worshippers to affirm their belief in Jesus Christ, His identity as the Son of God, and His resurrection, leading them in a prayer that included, "Lord Jesus I have heard your word and I love you with all my heart and I believe that you are the son of God and I believe that you rose again for my justification." The preacher then led them into the central declaration of the prayer, asking the worshippers to receive Jesus Christ into their hearts and acknowledge Him as their Saviour, Lord and King: "Right now I receive Jesus into my heart as my saviour, my Lord and my King. I declare that the power of sin, Satan and hell and grave is broken over my life. From today I am a child of God. I go forward."

This powerful moment, centred on the Christian message of salvation and new life in faith, has gained renewed significance as it stands among the final documented public appearances of the couple. Following the service, Apostle Felix Okoh shared photographs of himself with Selman, Chivayo, and Muteke, publicly thanking the couple for their presence and fellowship, writing, "Great service at House of Treasures Ministries with my dear brother Apostle Joshua Selman and thank you to Wicknell and his dear wife, for fellowshipping with us in service today. The Lord bless you and honour you.”

In the wake of their deaths, Zimbabwean self-proclaimed ‘prophet’ Emmanuel Makandiwa shared a reflective message, revealing he had recently spent time with Chivayo and his wife at their home, having supper and engaging in private, confidential discussions. On behalf of the United Family International (UFI) Church and his family, Makandiwa offered condolences and spoke to the couple's character.

Makandiwa made a striking observation regarding Chivayo and Muteke's approach to life and philanthropy. He stated that the couple knew their time would eventually come and were focused on using their time to give and help others while they were at their best. He described their efforts as having "saved the best for last," and noted that their desire to give and help people had been completed on time. These comments resonate with Chivayo's highly publicised generosity in the days leading up to his death, including a social media post celebrating long-standing relationships with two lawyers and announcing expensive gifts, which he began with the words "APPRECIATING RELATIONSHIPS BUILT OVER DECADES… SAVED THE BEST FOR LAST."

The loss of Wicknell Chivayo and Lucy Muteke has left a void, and those mourning them continue to hold them in prayer, with hope for their continued grace in God.