The former wife of Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo is set to take joint control of his estate alongside his sister, in a development that could reshape the handling of his multimillion-dollar fortune and an outstanding US$25 million (about Sh3.2 billion) matrimonial property dispute.
Sonja Louise Madzikanda and Esther Chivayo reached an agreement to jointly manage the estate of the late businessman, who died in a helicopter crash alongside his wife, Lucy Muteke, in September.
The agreement, signed in Harare on November 3 2026, was submitted to the Master of the High Court for consideration, with both women's lawyers confirming that their clients had agreed to work together.
The arrangement is intended to provide a common approach to managing the businessman’s assets while protecting the interests of his two young children.
Prominent Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo and his wife, Lucy Muteke, died in a helicopter crash on Wednesday evening, September 30, 2026.
Photo credit: Pool
In a letter dated November 3, 2026, Madzikanda’s lawyers, Mahuni Gidiri Law Chambers, informed the Master that consultations between interested parties had resulted in an agreement on the joint administration of the estate.
“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,” the lawyers wrote, according to Zimbabwe media.
Esther’s legal team, Caleb Mucheche and Partners Law Chambers, separately confirmed the arrangement in a letter dated November 4, saying the businessman’s family had unanimously backed his sister for the position.
The lawyers described Esther as Chivayo’s biological sister and next of kin, adding that the agreement would help protect the interests of the two minor children while avoiding the expense of bringing in an independent administrator.
However, the agreement is still awaiting formal consideration by the Master of the High Court. The correspondence submitted by the lawyers does not, by itself, establish that the two women have received official authority to administer the estate.
The proposed arrangement comes at a significant moment for Madzikanda, who had been involved in a US$25 million dispute with her former husband over matrimonial property and the division of assets.
The case was pending before Zimbabwe’s Supreme Court when Chivayo died. It was subsequently removed from the court schedule until an authorised representative of his estate could take his place in the proceedings.
His lawyer, Advocate Sylvester Hashiti, confirmed that the matter would have to await the appointment of an administrator to represent the deceased.
“The matter was removed from the roll on account of appellant’s demise until such a time he is substituted by his executor or executrix who will represent him in court as concerns any claims against his estate,” the lawyer told the court, as reported by The Herald.
Madzikanda’s proposed new role therefore places her at the centre of the process of identifying and managing the very assets that are the subject of her outstanding claim. Her position as co-administrator, if approved, will not automatically settle that dispute or establish her entitlement to the amount sought.
The estate, registered as DR 5427/26, is believed to contain substantial business interests and personal property, although its actual value has not been officially established.
Its administrators will be expected to establish what Chivayo owned, identify any outstanding debts and legitimate claims, and determine what remains for distribution to those entitled to inherit.
Officials work at the site of a helicopter crash at Kudenga Farm in the Marondera rural area, east of Harare, Zimbabwe, on October 1, 2026. Prominent Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo and his wife, Lucy Muteke, died in a helicopter crash on Wednesday evening, September 30, 2026.
Photo credit: Reuters
Chivayo, 43, was among six people killed when a helicopter crashed in Zimbabwe’s Marondera district on September 30. His wife and three other people also died in the accident.
His death attracted attention across the region because of his high-profile business interests, lavish public spending and links to political leaders.
In Kenya, his business connections have also drawn scrutiny, particularly following reports linking companies associated with him to major infrastructure and investment opportunities.
For now, the agreement between Madzikanda and Esther offers a possible way forward in managing the estate and safeguarding the interests of the children.
The next step rests with the Master of the High Court, whose decision will determine whether the proposed joint arrangement can formally take effect.
