The death of Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo and his wife, Lucy “Lulu” Muteke, in a helicopter crash has reopened debate about wealth, relationships, and social-media fame in Africa.
Days after the tragedy, Tanzanian socialite Poshy Queen shared alleged Instagram messages from Chivayo, saying she had ignored his advances because she was loyal to her boyfriend.
Chivayo, popularly known as “Sir Wicknell,” died on September 30, 2026, when a private helicopter crashed in Marondera Rural, about 70 kilometres east of Harare killing all the occupants including his wife Lucy Muteke..
The couple was buried in Harare on October 8, 2026, during a high-profile funeral that attracted wide attention across Zimbabwe and the rest of Africa.
The Tanzanian beauty entrepreneur and socialite, posted a video showing what she said were private Instagram direct messages from Chivayo.
She claimed the messages began in May 2019 and included compliments such as “you are beautiful” and “you are so perfect.”
According to Poshy Queen, she never replied to the messages and left them on read. She said she rejected Chivayo because she was committed to her boyfriend and did not want money or a luxurious lifestyle to influence her relationship.
However, the authenticity of the screenshots and the full context of the conversation have not been independently confirmed.
The timing of the revelation caused mixed reactions, as other women came forth.
Social media personality and Kenya’s fashion model Serena Karis, joked on social media that she missed a big opportunity after sharing a screenshot of a past compliment (“You are so beautiful “) from Sir Wicknell that she left unanswered before he eventually blocked her.
British-Jamaican rapper Stefflon Don shared an emotional tribute on her Instagram Story following the death of Chivayo, stating that his passing “hurts deeply” and called him a close friend and offered condolences to his family.
The rapper described him as genuinely one of the kindest, most generous people she knew with a big heart.
Some netizens have since come forth and criticised some of these women especially for sharing private messages soon after Chivayo’s death.
They argued that the move appeared insensitive, especially because his family and friends were still mourning him. Some accused socialites of using the tragedy to gain attention online.
Chivayo had also previously denied other alleged leaked messages involving musicians and high-profile women.
He claimed that some screenshots circulating online had been created by impersonators.