The family of late Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Munodaani Chivayo has agreed to have his former wife, Sonja Louise Madzikanda, and biological sister, Esther Chivayo, jointly oversee his multi-million-dollar estate following his death in a helicopter crash.
According to a report by Zimbabwe’s state broadcaster, ZBC News, on Thursday, November 5, 2026, the two women have been nominated as co-executrices, with their proposed responsibilities including managing the late businessman’s assets, settling outstanding liabilities and overseeing the administration of his wealth.
The agreement was reached to ensure the orderly administration of the estate and protect the interests of Chivayo’s family, including his children.
In a letter to the Master of the High Court, Madzikanda’s lawyers, Mahuni Gidiri Law Chambers, confirmed that the interested parties had reached an agreement.
“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 said.
Esther’s legal representatives, Caleb Mucheche and Partners, also confirmed her nomination, describing her as having been “unanimously nominated uncontested by the entire family”.
The lawyers indicated that the arrangement was intended to ensure that the estate was managed in the interests of the family while avoiding the additional costs associated with appointing an independent executor.
What the agreement requires
Under the proposed arrangement, Madzikanda and Esther are expected to work together in identifying and documenting the deceased businessman’s assets, liabilities, business interests and other financial holdings.
They will also be responsible for addressing legitimate claims against the estate and ensuring that any remaining assets are distributed in accordance with the law.
The agreement requires both women to act jointly, honestly and diligently while ensuring full disclosure of the estate’s assets and liabilities.
Any newly discovered information relating to the estate is expected to be shared between them within two business days.
The arrangement also provides for the management of potential conflicts of interest, particularly where personal claims or business interests involving either woman may arise.
Chivayo died on September 30, 2026, when a helicopter crashed at Kudenga Farm near Marondera, east of Harare. His wife, Lucy Muteke, and other people aboard the aircraft also died in the accident.
The businessman was widely known for his involvement in Zimbabwe’s business sector, particularly through his company, Intratrek Zimbabwe, which was associated with major energy and infrastructure projects.