Zimbabwean Tycoon’s $550,000 Rolls-Royce Arrives Weeks After His Burial — As His Estate Remains in Question
Imagine ordering a luxury car worth more than half a million US dollars, only for it to arrive in your country weeks after you have been laid to rest.
That is what happened following the death of Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo, popularly known as Sir Wicknell, whose custom-built Rolls-Royce Phantom arrived in Harare on 23 October 2026, after his burial.
Chivayo and his wife, Lucy Muteke, died in a helicopter crash on 30 September 2026. The couple were buried on 8 October.
According to Business Insider Africa, the luxury vehicle had already been shipped internationally before Chivayo’s death. Customs clearance was completed after his passing
A $550,000 Luxury Car
Chivayo had reportedly commissioned the bespoke Rolls-Royce Phantom months earlier, with personalised number plates bearing the names “Wicknell” and “Chibaba”.
The vehicle was intended to join his already impressive luxury car collection, which included Rolls-Royce models, a Bentley Bentayga, two Lamborghini Urus SUVs, a Mercedes-Maybach and a Range Rover Autobiography.
But the story does not end with an expensive car arriving after its owner’s death.
Millions of Dollars in Alleged Dealership Debts
Reports by Zimbabwean publication ZimLive indicated that three luxury car dealerships in Harare claimed they were owed a combined US$5.1 million for vehicles supplied to Chivayo.
The reported amounts were:
Faramatsi Motors: US$2.4 million
Exquisite Cars: US$1.4 million
Enterprise Car Sales: US$1.3 million
However, the claims are disputed. Exquisite Cars owner Victor Vikela reportedly said his company had written off any outstanding balance
The claims have raised questions about how Chivayo’s estate, including his luxury vehicles, properties and business interests, will be managed
A businessman with connections to African Presidents
Chivayo was known for his lavish lifestyle, extravagant gifts and publicly displayed relationships with influential political figures across Africa, including Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Kenyan President William Ruto.
His business dealings, including government-linked contracts, also attracted public scrutiny.
Now, following his sudden death, attention has turned to the fortune he left behind, the disputed debts and the administration of his estate.
The Rolls-Royce has arrived, but questions surrounding the late businessman’s financial affairs remain.
Source: Business Insider Africa, with dealership debt claims reported by ZimLive.