Who was Wicknell Chivayo?: All you need to know about the flamboyant businessman

• A custom Rolls-Royce Phantom believed to belong to Wicknell Chivayo surfaced on social media
• The luxury vehicle arrived nearly a month after the Zimbabwean businessman died in a helicopter crash
• The car bore Chivayo's signature plate number, a trademark of his larger-than-life persona

A bittersweet moment played out on social media when photos of a brand-new custom Rolls-Royce Phantom, believed to have been ordered by the late Wicknell Chivayo, emerged online. The vehicle arrived at his home on 23 October 2026, delivered inside a large wooden crate, weeks after the flamboyant Zimbabwean businessman had already passed away.

The car bore the now-iconic "Wicknell" personalised plate, the signature touch that made every vehicle in his fleet instantly recognisable. Sadly, he was not around to receive it.

Chivayo died on 30 September in a devastating helicopter crash alongside his wife Lucy and other members of the flight crew, including security personnel who were on board. The aircraft came down while returning from his rural homestead in Gandami, cutting short the life of one of Southern Africa's most talked-about personalities.

A fleet like no other

Before his passing, Chivayo had built a reputation that few could match when it came to automotive excess. He was well known for acquiring luxury vehicles in pairs and sometimes threes, assembling a garage that included multiple Rolls-Royce Cullinans, Rolls-Royce Phantoms, Mercedes-Maybachs, Range Rovers, and high-performance Audis.

His relationship with cars went beyond personal indulgence. Chivayo became a fixture on social media for his extravagant gifting sprees, regularly presenting brand-new Mercedes-Benzes and Toyota Hiluxes to musicians, church leaders, and public figures who showed him support. Each vehicle, almost always fitted with one of his custom "Wicknell" or "Sir" vanity plates, became an extension of his bold, unapologetic public identity.

The arrival of this latest Rolls-Royce Phantom, ordered before his death, is a poignant reminder of the life he lived and the legacy he left behind. The car made it. He did not.

See Wicknell Chivayo's custom Rolls-Royce Phantom below.

Wicknell Chivayo was allegedly in debt

In an earlier report, Briefly News shared online reactions to claims that Wicknell Chivayo had an alleged multi-million-dollar debt owed to several car dealerships.

Following his tragic death, it was reported that the businessman had owed millions to car dealers, who came forward demanding their money.

Source: Briefly News