Chivayo's death leaves Harare car dealers in financial limbo

Harare car dealers are facing a sharp decline in business following the death of controversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo, with some also uncertain whether they will recover payments for vehicles delivered before his death.

Chivayo died in a helicopter crash in rural Marondera on September 30 while travelling from his rural home in Chikomba district, Mashonaland East. His wife, Lucy Muteke, two pilots and an aide also died in the accident.

Before his death, Chivayo made headlines for distributing luxury vehicles and cash to celebrities, religious leaders, lawyers and other beneficiaries. He was reported to have given away more than 300 luxury vehicles and cash estimated at approximately US$47 million.

However, new details suggest that the number of vehicles distributed could be higher than previously reported, with several dealers revealing the scale of their business dealings with the late businessman.

Much of the vehicle supply reportedly involved Exquisite Car Sales in Harare, with a man popularly known as Victor Matiyenga distributing brand-new vehicles. Other cars were sourced from dealers, particularly along Robert Mugabe Road in Eastlea and in Braeside.

Dealers said Chivayo's purchases had provided a significant boost to their businesses, with demand particularly strong for Toyota GD6 Fortuners, valued at around US$70,000 each.

One dealer said suppliers would sometimes pool their stock to fulfil large orders, including requests for 100 Toyota Aquas and 50 Toyota Fortuners. Vehicles were generally selected based on their low mileage, with some having travelled fewer than 20,000 kilometres.

The dealer said payments were typically made within two months, making the arrangement lucrative for participating businesses.

However, Chivayo's death has left some dealers worried about outstanding payments for vehicles already delivered.

One dealer claimed that 15 Toyota GD6 Fortuners had been collected on the day of the crash for distribution to Johanne Masowe members in Mashonaland Central, alongside vehicles taken in previous weeks.

Some church members reportedly learned of Chivayo's death while they were distributing the vehicles, adding to uncertainty over whether the transactions would be completed.

The businessman's death has also complicated the distribution of vehicles he had promised but had not yet delivered. His final high-profile gifts reportedly included a 2026 Lexus GX 550 and a Range Rover Sport intended for two lawyers.

Under the estate administration process, the appointment of an executor is required to manage a deceased person's estate, settle liabilities and determine how assets are distributed. The process could be complicated by cross-border holdings and pending litigation.

Until the estate is properly administered, creditors and intended beneficiaries may face delays as claims and outstanding obligations are assessed. Legal experts have cautioned that informal promises, including verbal commitments and social media announcements, do not by themselves bypass the formal administration process.

Chivayo built a high public profile through his business dealings, particularly government contracts secured through his company, Intratrek Zimbabwe. Among the most prominent was the US$172 million Gwanda solar project, which was delayed for years amid legal disputes.

He was also associated with election-material procurement and other sensitive business activities. An anti-corruption investigation concluded in 2025 without finding evidence of wrongdoing on his part, according to the supplied account.

His lavish gift-giving attracted both admiration and criticism, with detractors describing it as a form of political patronage involving ruling-party structures, religious groups and celebrities. Chivayo, however, attributed his generosity to a prophecy he said he received in Nkayi in 1994, predicting that he would give people cars as easily as ordinary bread.

With the gift-giving abruptly halted by his death, car dealers are now left facing uncertainty over future business and the recovery of outstanding payments, while Chivayo's estate awaits resolution through the courts.