BY DANIEL BAMPOE
Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo, who died in a helicopter crash on September 30, 2026, had reportedly ordered three helicopters shortly before his death, according to a video that has resurfaced online.
The footage shows Chivayo at his rural property in Gandami Village, in the Wiltshire farming area of Chivhu, Chikomba District, Mashonaland East Province, where he was overseeing the development of what he described as a “mini Borrowdale Brooke.”
During the visit, Chivayo spoke to engineers about plans to construct a helipad capable of accommodating a large helicopter he was expecting to receive.
“Can you put concrete in the helipad because my other helicopter is too big, it’s on its way, because I just bought three,” he was heard telling the team.
He also questioned the pace of construction, stressing that delays were unacceptable when funding and resources were already available.
“The only challenge is when people do not have money, but when the resources are there, and invoices have been paid there is nothing that should delay you in executing.”
Chivayo was also said to have been planning extensive infrastructure at the property, including a proper runway, driveway and other facilities to match the scale of the estate.
He was still using hired helicopters
Despite his plans to build a private helicopter fleet, reports indicate that Chivayo had not yet taken delivery of the aircraft before his death.
He had reportedly been using helicopters chartered from Sky Helicopters, an aviation company operated by businessman Themba Nkatazo through Valley Seeds Private Limited.
The revelation that at least one of Chivayo’s newly ordered helicopters was still in transit when he died has added an emotional dimension to the story, highlighting how unfinished many of his plans for the Gandami property were.
The rural estate was reportedly the destination Chivayo and his wife were travelling to when their helicopter crashed on September 30.
Prophet arrested over alleged Chivayo audio
Meanwhile, controversy surrounding Chivayo’s death has widened following the arrest of Zimbabwean self-styled prophet Christopher Guzha, popularly known as Madzibaba DVD.
Guzha was reportedly arrested in Goromonzi on Sunday over an alleged armed robbery involving an EcoCash agent. Police reportedly seized his phone following his arrest, and he was expected to appear before a regional court in Marondera.
However, Guzha’s family has disputed the robbery allegation.
His son-in-law reportedly claimed that the arrest was connected to a leaked audio recording involving Chivayo rather than the alleged robbery.
The recording, which reportedly features Chivayo speaking with a cleric associated with the Johane Masowe eChishanu sect, became a major subject of discussion following the businessman’s death.
In the recording, Chivayo allegedly discussed spiritual rituals, including a proposed ritual involving a clay pot containing ritual objects that was to be submerged in Lake Kariba.
He also reportedly spoke about receiving spiritual assistance and promised to reward the cleric with a vehicle when his financial situation improved.
The authenticity of the recording has reportedly been confirmed, although the circumstances surrounding its release and the subsequent arrest of Guzha remain the subject of intense public interest.
Chivayo, who was 43 when he died, had been a prominent and controversial figure in Zimbabwe, particularly because of his involvement in major government contracts and his highly publicised displays of wealth.
