Wicknell Chivayo: Car dealers count losses after tycoon’s death over unpaid vehicles

• Harare cars and truck dealerships state they lost a significant customer after Wicknell Chivayo’s reported death in a helicopter crash on September 30
• Chivayo had talented more than 300 high-end lorries and dispersed an approximated US$ 47 million (KSh 6.10 billion) before his death
• Dealerships who provided bulk orders of Toyota Fortuners and Aquas state they are now having a hard time to fix up books on lorries currently provided

Harare’s high-end automobile trade is reeling after the reported death of Zimbabwean entrepreneur Wicknell Chivayo, with numerous dealerships now dealing with substantial overdue balances for cars they had actually currently turned over.

Chivayo, commonly referred to as Sir Wicknell, passed away on 30 September in a helicopter crash in rural Marondera while taking a trip from his home in Chikomba district, Mashonaland East.

His spouse Lucy Muteke, 2 pilots and an assistant likewise died in the mishap. He was amongst the most recognisable figures in Zimbabwe’s high-end car market, having actually constructed a public image around prominent philanthropy and the gifting of costly vehicles to artists, attorneys, political leaders, spiritual leaders and social networks fans.

Chivayo’s costs scale

Before his death, the entrepreneur had actually apparently distributed more than 300 high-end cars, with some accounts putting the number as high as 3,000 automobiles dispersed over 2 years.

The overall worth of lorries and money presents was approximated at roughly US$ 47 million (KSh 6.10 billion). His hallmark relocation was directing recipients to gather automobiles from dealerships with the words “your car is fully paid,” an expression he regularly accompanied with social networks videos revealing receivers presenting next to gift-wrapped lorries.

His last public posts, likewise dated 30 September, followed the very same pattern, revealing top-of-the-range SUVs for 2 attorneys along with “small petty cash” of US$ 250,000 each.

Dealerships left in monetary limbo

Much of Chivayo’s automobile supply went through Exquisite Car Sales in Harare, with circulation supposedly managed by a male called Victor Matiyenga. Other automobiles were sourced from display rooms along Robert Mugabe Road in Eastlea and in Braeside.

Need was regularly strong for Toyota GD6 Fortuners, each valued at around US$ 70,000 (KSh 9 million) in addition to Toyota Aquas, Land Cruisers and Mercedes-Benz designs.

Providers would in some cases pool stock to fill bulk demands, consisting of orders for 100 Toyota Aquas and 50 Toyota Fortuners simultaneously, with cars usually picked for low mileage, some under 20,000 kilometres.

The plan worked due to the fact that payments normally showed up within 2 months, making Chivayo a trusted and in-demand customer.

According to a report by The Standard Zimbabwe released on 11 October 2026, that dependability has actually now paved the way to unpredictability. Dealerships state the quantities owed faced countless dollars throughout numerous display rooms integrated.

The circumstance is even more made complex by the truth that Chivayo’s bulk purchasing had actually produced a secondary market, with dealerships acquiring stock from one another to fulfill his big orders, indicating the financial obligation chain now spreads out throughout Harare’s wider automobile trade.

With their greatest consumer gone and estates and legal procedures yet to deal with exceptional offers, providers who had actually concerned depend upon his consistent need are now dealing with the uphill struggle of recuperating cash for automobiles that have actually currently left their forecourts.

Information of Chivayo’s security group

We likewise highlighted realities about Chivayo’s six-man South African security group, who took a trip to Harare to participate in the late business person’s burial.

One bodyguard shared a tender minute with Chivayo’s young child, while the group’s journey honoured a bond reinforced by the high-end vehicles he had actually purchased them.

Source: TUKO.co.ke