Chivayo Did Not Own Any Helicopters
Story By Staff Reporter
Controversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo did not own a helicopter when he died in a crash last week. He had, however, ordered three, and they awaited delivery.
Chivayo revealed this during a visit to his rural homestead in Gandami Village. The village lies in the Wiltshire farming area of Chivhu, Chikomba District, Mashonaland East Province.
Videos he posted show him inspecting his rural mansion under construction. A helipad, which he nicknamed “mini Borrowdale Brooke,” is also taking shape. In one clip, he discusses the helipad and repeats that he had bought three helicopters, one of them massive.
Money was no problem, he said, and he was committed to finishing the project quickly.
Private aviation was his passion. Chivayo often displayed luxury aircraft, including private jets and helicopters such as the Leonardo AW139, as part of his lavish lifestyle. He did own a Gulfstream G550 private jet worth about US$34 million.
Themba Nkatazo hired out the helicopters Chivayo used. Nkatazo runs Valley Seeds Private Limited and Sky Helicopters, a luxury private aviation charter company. Sky Helicopters offers premium on-demand helicopter hire, rental and charter services. Its clients include high-profile business leaders, public figures, politicians and wealthy socialites. Chivayo was one of them. He died in a helicopter crash on Wednesday afternoon last week.
Reporting based on original coverage by NewsHawks.
