Chivayo's ex-wife, sister strike estate deal

The former wife of late Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo, Sonja Louise Madzikanda, has reached an agreement with his family to jointly administer his estate alongside his sister, Esther Chivayo.

The agreement follows consultations between the interested parties over the administration of the millionaire businessman's estate following his death in a helicopter crash on September 30, 2026.

Madzikanda's lawyer, Rungano Mahuni of Mahuni Gidiri Law Chambers, formally communicated the agreement to the Master of the High Court on Tuesday, requesting recognition of the proposed joint executorship arrangement.

"We are pleased to advise that, following consultations between the interested parties, consensus has been reached for the appointment of co-executors to the estate, the co-executors being Ms Sonja Louise Madzikanda and Ms Esther Chivayo respectively," Mahuni wrote.

The lawyer confirmed that the parties had signed a written agreement outlining their understanding and requested that the document be included in the deceased estate's official records.

The proposed arrangement will see Madzikanda and Esther jointly oversee the administration of Chivayo's estate, subject to approval by the Master of the High Court.

Esther is represented by prominent lawyer Caleb Mucheche of Caleb Mucheche and Partners Law Chambers.

The agreement represents a significant development in the handling of Chivayo's estate, particularly given the financial disputes that existed between the businessman and his former wife before his death.

Madzikanda, who shares two young children with Chivayo, was pursuing a US$25 million divorce settlement claim against him at the time of his death.

The outstanding claim could become an important consideration during the administration of the estate, depending on its legal status and how it is dealt with under applicable succession and estate laws.

However, the agreement to appoint co-executors does not itself determine the validity of the claim or establish how much Madzikanda or any other interested party may ultimately receive.

If their appointments are approved, the two women will be responsible for identifying and compiling an inventory of Chivayo's assets and liabilities.

Their duties will also include examining claims lodged against the estate, settling legally enforceable debts and overseeing the distribution of remaining assets to the lawful beneficiaries.

The executors will be required to carry out those responsibilities in accordance with Zimbabwe's estate administration laws and under the supervision of the Master of the High Court.

The value of Chivayo's estate has not been officially established, although the businessman was widely known for his wealth, luxury vehicles and high-profile business dealings.

Chivayo, 43, died when a helicopter carrying him and four other people crashed at Kudenga Farm in Marondera, Mashonaland East Province, on September 30.

His wife, Lucy Muteke, was also killed in the accident, together with her personal aide, Sanelisiwe Magagula.

The aircraft's two pilots, Captain Kelvin Soda and Captain Courage Mutavirwa, also lost their lives.

The tragedy brought an abrupt end to Chivayo's life and left questions surrounding the administration of his assets and outstanding financial obligations.

The agreement between Madzikanda and Esther could help establish a cooperative framework for managing the estate, although any unresolved claims or disputes may still require legal determination.

Attention now turns to the Master of the High Court, whose consideration and approval are necessary before the proposed co-executors can formally assume their responsibilities.

If approved, the arrangement will place Chivayo's former wife and sister at the centre of the process of identifying his assets, settling liabilities and determining the lawful distribution of his estate.