Photo credit: Humanitarian Post
A custom-built Rolls-Royce Phantom commissioned by late Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo has arrived in Harare weeks after he and his wife died in a helicopter crash.
PUNCH Online reports that Chivayo and his wife died when their helicopter crashed near Marondera, east of Harare, on September 30.
The luxury car was delivered on Friday about three weeks after the crash and 15 days after the couple’s burial on October 8.
Zimbabwean publication Humanitarian Post reported the development on Friday, saying the vehicle had been in international transit when Chivayo died.
According to the publication, the car had undergone final customs clearance before arriving in Harare.
The report stated that it was built to “Chivayo’s exact specifications, featuring custom interior finishes and bespoke bodywork”.
The vehicle’s estimated value varies across reports. Business Insider Africa put comparable Rolls-Royce Phantom models at between $550,000 and more than $800,000.
Chivayo, popularly known as Sir Wicknell, was known for his collection of luxury vehicles, lavish gifts and publicised relationships with influential political figures.
His collection reportedly included Rolls-Royce Cullinan and Ghost models, a Bentley Bentayga, Lamborghini Urus sport utility vehicles, a Mercedes-Maybach GLS600 and a Range Rover Autobiography.
He frequently gifted expensive vehicles and cash to musicians, religious leaders and political figures, sharing many of the donations on social media.
His death has also drawn attention to reported financial obligations linked to his vehicle purchases.
Zimbabwean news outlet ZimLive reported on October 20 that three Harare luxury-car dealerships were owed a combined $5.1m for vehicles supplied to Chivayo before his death.
According to the report, Faramatsi Motors was owed $2.4m, Exquisite Cars $1.4m and Enterprise Car Sales $1.3m. However, Exquisite Cars owner Victor Vikela disputed the figures attributed to his company and said outstanding balances had been written off.
The businessman was a prominent figure in Zimbabwe’s business and political circles, with interests including energy infrastructure and government contracts.
His business dealings and political connections had attracted scrutiny during his lifetime.