Uebert Angel’s Emotional Tribute To Wicknell Chivayo Reveals A Different Side
Prophet Uebert Angel has broken his silence following the death of businessman Wicknell Chivayo, describing him as a brother, friend, protégé and “uncle” whose relationship with his family went far beyond his public image as a generous benefactor.
Angel shared the emotional tribute in the early hours of Friday, 2 October 2026, two days after Chivayo and his wife, Lucy Muteke, died in a helicopter crash in Marondera.
The tribute offered a glimpse into the personal relationship between the businessman and the Angel family, with Angel saying his children had also developed a close bond with Chivayo.
“Our children called him UNCLE, and he truly became their uncle. He loved them, cared about their lives, celebrated their achievements, and became woven into the story of our family.”
Uebert Angel Names Wicknell Chivayo Among Five Crash Victims
The helicopter crashed at Kudenga Farm in Marondera on Wednesday, 30 September 2026. Initial police communication said six people were aboard the aircraft, but authorities later corrected the number to five.
Zimbabwe Republic Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi subsequently identified the occupants as Chivayo, Lucy Rujeko Muteke, Saneliswe Magagula, pilot Calvin Tafirei Soda and co-pilot Courage Mutavirwa. Police said forensic scientists and aviation experts had attended the scene as investigations continued.
Angel specifically named all five people in his tribute.
“He left this world alongside his beloved wife, Lulu, the two pilots, and his wife’s aide. Five precious lives were taken so suddenly, leaving behind families carrying a grief that cannot be measured.”
The crash has attracted widespread attention because of Chivayo’s high public profile. President Emmerson Mnangagwa confirmed his death on 1 October, while tributes also came from figures outside Zimbabwe.
The cause of the crash has not been established. Police said investigations were being conducted with relevant experts, while aviation authorities were also examining the circumstances surrounding the accident.
There are moments when words simply fail us. Wicknell leaving this earth is one of those moments.
He was far more than a generous giver. He became our brother, our friend, submitted protege & family. His presence brought warmth, laughter, kindness, & unforgettable memories into… pic.twitter.com/LMVvGIZi2B
— Uebert Angel (@UebertAngel) October 1, 2026
Chivayo’s Final Gifts To Uebert Angel
Angel’s tribute also takes on added significance because of the unusually close financial and personal exchanges between the two men in the weeks before Chivayo’s death.
On 21 September 2026, Angel publicly thanked Chivayo after receiving a birthday gift that included US$250,000 (about R4.18 million) described as “lunch money” and US$150,000 (about R2.51 million) for fuel.
Angel’s post came after Chivayo had publicly announced the birthday gesture earlier in September. Chivayo also said he would provide Angel’s wife with a new 2026 Rolls-Royce Ghost as part of the birthday celebrations.
In his 21 September message, Angel praised Chivayo’s generosity and described him as someone who had supported ministries and helped people.
“You are a marvel, a force, a signature of giving!”
That exchange now forms part of the background to Angel’s latest tribute.
Angel Says The Memories Will Remain
While Chivayo was widely known for his public displays of wealth and large gifts, Angel’s message focused less on those gestures and more on his place within the family.
He recalled wishing he could have had another conversation with Chivayo.
“I wish I could say goodbye one more time. I wish I could have one more conversation, hear one more laugh, and tell him once again how much he meant to us.”
Angel said his Christian faith had shaped how he was processing the loss.
“We did not lose them-Heaven received them.”
He ended the message by separately bidding farewell to Chivayo, Lucy, Magagula, Soda and Mutavirwa.
The tribute comes as families of the five victims mourn while authorities continue working to establish exactly what happened before the helicopter came down in Marondera on 30 September.
For Angel, however, the immediate focus was the personal loss of someone he described not simply as a benefactor, but as a member of his family.
The post Uebert Angel Breaks Silence On Wicknell Chivayo Death, Calls Him ‘Uncle’ appeared first on iHarare News.
