A security aide travelling in a separate helicopter alongside Chivayo’s aircraft described the moments before the crash on September 30, 2026.
According to the aide, both helicopters were returning when weather conditions deteriorated.
The pilot carrying Chivayo suggested rerouting through Bromley as an alternative route. Communication between the two helicopters continued as the aircraft navigated the worsening conditions.
The aide said the pilot carrying Chivayo repeatedly reported that he was struggling with the weather. “What I observed during the pilots’ communication was that the pilot flying the boss kept saying: ‘I’m in bad weather, I haven’t exited the cloud,’” the aide said, according to ZimLive.
The helicopter’s last confirmed position was reportedly over Surrey.
The aide said his pilot later radioed that they were about 10 minutes from their destination.
The response from Chivayo’s pilot then raised concern.
The pilot reportedly asked, “Which destination?”
The other pilot replied that they were heading to Marondera, but received no response.
“Our pilot responded that Marondera, but no reply came. All communication with the other helicopter was lost,” the aide said.
The helicopter later crashed, killing everyone on board, including Chivayo.
The aide also disputed reports that six people had died in the crash, saying five people were killed.
Chivayo was a prominent Zimbabwean businessman whose death has attracted significant attention in the country.
The aide’s account provides details of the reported communication between the two helicopters shortly before contact with the aircraft was lost.
Erizia Rubyjeana
Follow us on:
