Chivayo's US$550,000 Phantom arrives after his death

A custom-built Rolls-Royce Phantom valued at more than US$550,000 has arrived in Harare, weeks after the death of Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo and his wife, Lucy Muteke, in a helicopter crash.

The luxury vehicle arrived on October 23, 2026, with reports indicating that it had been in international transit before the couple's deaths. Customs clearance was reportedly completed after the businessman died.

According to Zimbabwean publication Humanitarian Post, Chivayo had commissioned the vehicle months earlier, selecting bespoke finishes and personalised number plates bearing the names "Wicknell" and "Chibaba".

Comparable Rolls-Royce Phantom models can cost between US$550,000 and more than US$800,000, depending on specifications and customisation.

The vehicle was expected to join Chivayo's extensive luxury car collection, which included a Rolls-Royce Cullinan, Rolls-Royce Ghost, Bentley Bentayga, two Lamborghini Urus SUVs, a Mercedes-Maybach GLS600 and a Range Rover Autobiography.

Chivayo, popularly known as Sir Wicknell, was also known for gifting expensive vehicles to musicians, religious leaders and political figures.

However, his luxury car purchases have come under renewed scrutiny following reports that several Harare dealerships were owed millions of dollars for vehicles supplied to him before his death.

According to ZimLive, three dealerships had outstanding claims totalling US$5.1 million. Faramatsi Motors reportedly accounted for US$2.4 million, followed by Exquisite Cars at US$1.4 million and Enterprise Car Sales at US$1.3 million.

Sources familiar with the transactions said Chivayo frequently acquired vehicles on credit, typically settling payments within three months. However, Exquisite Cars owner Victor Vikela disputed the reported debt figures, saying his company had written off any outstanding balance.

The claims have raised questions about the financial obligations of Chivayo's estate, which includes luxury vehicles, properties and business interests.

Beyond his lavish lifestyle, Chivayo was a prominent businessman whose government contracts and political connections attracted considerable public attention.

Through Intratrek Zimbabwe, he secured a contract worth more than US$170 million for the development of a 100-megawatt solar power plant in Gwanda. Delays in the project led to legal disputes and scrutiny of his business dealings.

His interests also attracted attention in Kenya following reports linking IMC Construction Kenya to a proposed US$2.9 billion expansion of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. However, Kenya's Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir denied the company's involvement.

Chivayo maintained public relationships with several influential African leaders, including Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, whose ruling ZANU-PF party he supported.

He also publicised encounters with leaders including Kenya's William Ruto, Nigeria's Bola Tinubu, Uganda's Yoweri Museveni, South Africa's Cyril Ramaphosa and Zambia's Hakainde Hichilema.

Chivayo and his wife died on September 30, 2026, when their helicopter crashed near Marondera, east of Harare, killing everyone aboard. Authorities launched an investigation into the incident, and the couple were buried on October 8.

Following their deaths, Ruto described Chivayo as a close friend, praising his enthusiasm and belief in Africa's potential.

Mnangagwa also mourned the couple, describing them as philanthropists whose generosity had benefited Zimbabweans.

The arrival of the Phantom adds another chapter to the businessman's high-profile legacy, while the reported dealership debts have placed renewed attention on the financial affairs that may need to be addressed by his estate.