”You Can Loot the Country and Let Hospitals Crumble But You Can’t Bribe Death” Critics Roar

Reports of the death of Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivhayo in a helicopter crash have triggered an outpouring of grief, anger and controversy, with some reactions sharply divided over his legacy and political connections.

One particularly harsh reaction circulating after reports of the crash showed no sympathy for the businessman, with the speaker accusing him of allegedly benefiting from a system that has left ordinary Zimbabweans struggling.

“God has done us a favour here, I don’t have sympathy for the death of Chivhayo,” the critic reportedly said.

The person further accused Chivhayo of allegedly looting the country and contributing to the deterioration of public hospitals, before referencing the controversial “2030” campaign linked to President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

“You can loot the country, destroy hospitals, and chant ‘2030’ all you want, but you cannot bribe death. Go see 2030 in coffin,” the statement read.

The comments have added another layer of controversy to a tragedy that has already captured national attention.

Zimbabwean authorities confirmed that a helicopter crashed in the Marondera Rural area on Wednesday evening, with no survivors reported.

Government spokesperson Nick Mangwana said the aircraft was carrying a prominent businessman, passengers and two pilots.

Earlier, the Zimbabwe Republic Police said an aircraft carrying six people had crashed at around 5pm. Police indicated that further details would be released after officials reached the crash site.

Authorities initially did not publicly identify the businessman.

Zimbabwean media later reported that Chivhayo and his wife, Lucy “Lulu” Muteke, were among those believed to have died. At the time of the initial reports, however, formal identification by police was still pending.

There was also conflicting information about the number of people aboard the aircraft. Police initially reported six occupants, while the later government description appeared to account for seven people. Officials had not immediately clarified the discrepancy.

Chivhayo was one of Zimbabwe’s most recognisable businessmen, known not only for his business interests but also for his extravagant lifestyle and prominent social-media presence.

Over the years, his name has featured prominently in discussions about government contracts, philanthropy and Zimbabwean politics.

Supporters have pointed to his high-value donations and gifts to individuals and organisations as evidence of his generosity. Critics, however, have repeatedly questioned the source of his wealth and his links to influential political figures.

Those contrasting views have made Chivhayo a highly polarising figure in Zimbabwe.

In September 2026, reports said he pledged US$2 million to 40 families of Zimbabwe’s fallen national heroes, with each family reportedly set to receive US$50,000.

His public donations have also reportedly extended to musicians, athletes, religious organisations and other groups.

The mention of “2030” in the controversial reaction is linked to Zimbabwe’s ongoing political debate surrounding President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s possible stay in office beyond his current constitutional term.

Proposals and calls associated with extending Mnangagwa’s tenure to 2030 have generated strong disagreement among political and civic groups.

Chivhayo had publicly expressed support for the campaign. Social-media material associated with him showed him promoting the slogan “2030 Ndeya Emmerson”.

His political stance has therefore become part of the public conversation following the crash.

The harsh statement following the reported death has prompted debate over whether long-standing political and personal grievances should be expressed so bluntly following a fatal accident.

Claims that Chivhayo “looted the country” or contributed to the destruction of public hospitals are allegations made by the critic and should not be treated as established findings unless supported by official evidence.

Likewise, the reference to “bribing death” appears to have been used rhetorically to attack Chivhayo’s wealth, influence and political activities.

For the families of everyone aboard the helicopter, however, the incident represents a devastating loss.

Authorities have confirmed that there were no survivors, while the formal identification of all victims and the investigation into the cause of the crash remain key next steps.

As Zimbabwe awaits further official details, attention is likely to remain focused not only on the circumstances of the helicopter crash but also on the controversies surrounding Chivhayo’s business empire, philanthropy and political associations.

https://x.com/SandileMakeba/status/2105370201818587436

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