Wicknell Chivayo’s Death Leaves Car Dealers in Millions of Dollars in Unpaid Bills

Car dealers in Harare, Zimbabwe, are reportedly facing significant financial losses following the death of businessman Wicknell Chivayo, who was known for purchasing luxury vehicles and gifting them to celebrities, politicians, lawyers and other prominent personalities. Chivayo, popularly known as Sir Wicknell, reportedly died in a helicopter crash on September 30, 2026, alongside his wife, Lucy Muteke, and four other people.

According to reports, several car dealers are struggling to recover payments for vehicles they had already supplied to the late businessman. The outstanding amounts are reportedly running into millions of US dollars across different dealerships.

Before his death, Chivayo had gained widespread attention for his lavish gifts, frequently announcing that beneficiaries could collect vehicles from dealerships because their purchases had been fully paid for.

He reportedly gifted more than 300 luxury vehicles, although some accounts have placed the number much higher. The estimated value of his cash and vehicle giveaways reached approximately US$47 million (KSh 6.1 billion). His preferred vehicles included Toyota GD6 Fortuners, Toyota Aquas, Land Cruisers and Mercedes-Benz models.

Some dealers reportedly handled large orders, including requests for 100 Toyota Aquas and 50 Toyota Fortuners. Suppliers sometimes pooled their stock to meet the demand, expecting payments within approximately two months.

A report by The Standard Zimbabwe, published on October 11, indicated that dealers were now struggling to reconcile their accounts and determine how outstanding payments would be recovered.

The situation has also affected businesses that purchased vehicles from other dealers to fulfil Chivayo’s bulk orders, creating a wider chain of financial obligations. With their major customer gone, suppliers are reportedly uncertain about who will settle the outstanding bills as legal and estate administration processes continue.

: https://www.tuko.co.ke/world/africa/642805-wicknell-chivayo-car-dealers-count-losses-tycoons-death-unpaid-vehicles/

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