RIP: What Wicknell Chivayo’s Bodyguard Heard From Pilot Moments Before Helicopter Crashed

Fresh details have emerged about the final communication between the pilot of Wicknell Chivayo’s helicopter and another aircraft shortly before radio contact was lost.

Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo and four other people died when the helicopter crashed on September 30, 2026.

Foster Chisi, a security aide travelling in another helicopter, has described what he heard before the tragedy.Chisi said the two helicopters were returning from Gandami in Chivhu when the weather became difficult.

Thick clouds and poor visibility made it hard for the pilots to navigate.

According to Chisi, Chivayo’s pilot repeatedly reported that he was still inside the clouds and had not managed to get out.

The pilot later said he was flying over Surrey. Shortly afterwards, Chisi’s pilot said they were about 10 minutes from their destination.

The response from Chivayo’s pilot reportedly raised concern. He asked which destination the other pilot meant, appearing confused about their location.

Chisi’s pilot told him they were heading to Marondera. However, there was no further response from the other helicopter, and communication was lost.Chisi said his helicopter landed in Marondera, where the security team waited for Chivayo’s aircraft.

When it failed to arrive and calls to those on board went unanswered, they initially thought it might have landed elsewhere because of the bad weather.

The search later led to Kudenga Farm, about 85 kilometres east of Harare, where the wreckage was discovered.

Chisi also disputed the earlier report that six people were aboard.

He said five people died, identifying them as Chivayo, his wife Lucy Muteke, Lucy’s personal aide and two pilots.

Authorities are continuing to investigate the cause of the crash, while forensic teams work to identify the victims.