Madzikanda Appointed Co-Executrix of Late Wicknell Chivayo’s Estate

Sonja Madzikanda has been appointed co-executrix of the estate of her late former husband, businessman Wicknell Chivayo, alongside his sister, Esther Chivayo.

The appointment comes as a US$25 million matrimonial property dispute between Madzikanda and Chivayo remains unresolved, having been pending before the Supreme Court at the time of his death.

In their new roles, the two executrices will be responsible for overseeing the administration of the estate, including identifying and documenting assets, settling outstanding liabilities and facilitating the distribution of the inheritance to legally recognised beneficiaries.

According to reports by The Herald, Chivayo’s estate is believed to be worth millions of dollars, although an official valuation and comprehensive inventory of his assets have not yet been made public.

Chivayo died in a helicopter crash near Marondera on September 30, together with his wife, Lucy Muteke, and three other people. He is survived by two minor children.

The US$25 million claim remains a significant issue in the estate administration process. Madzikanda had approached the courts over the division of matrimonial property and other assets, but the matter had not been finalised when Chivayo died.

Chivayo’s lawyer, Advocate Sylvester Hashiti, previously indicated that the case had been removed from the court roll pending the appointment of an executor or executrix to represent the deceased businessman’s estate. The estate’s representative would subsequently need to be substituted into the proceedings.

While Madzikanda’s appointment gives her a formal role in administering the estate, it does not automatically resolve her outstanding matrimonial property claim or guarantee her entitlement to the disputed US$25 million.

The latest development follows earlier reports that Chivayo’s estate had been registered with the Master of the High Court, although no executor had been appointed at the time.