Chivayo’s Security Chief Froster Chisi Recounts Final Moments Before Helicopter Crash

Story By Staff Reporter

Zimbabwe is mourning businessman Wicknell Chivayo, his wife Lucy and three others who died when a Bell 430 helicopter crashed in Marondera on Wednesday, 30 September 2026. The helicopter was returning to Harare from Chivhu and came down at about 5 p.m. at Kudenga Farm. Authorities say there were no survivors.

Froster Chisi, who heads security for Chivayo, was flying in the lead helicopter, with Chivayo’s aircraft following behind. In a recent video interview, he gave one of the most detailed first-hand accounts so far.

Who Is Froster Chisi?

Chisi says he has known Chivayo since 2008. He became head of his security in 2024, after many years close to the businessman.

A Stop in Marondera

According to Chisi, the group was passing through Marondera to visit the in-laws, the parents of Lucy “Lulu” Muteke, Chivayo’s wife. The two helicopters were flying in formation, with Chisi’s aircraft in front.

Weather Concerns

Chisi recalled that Chivayo had said during the day that the weather was not good for helicopters. As the flight continued, he says the pilots noticed a dark cloud. They decided to reduce both speed and altitude, which he put at 60 knots.

The pilots also changed their route. They communicated that they would first head towards Bromley and then return to Marondera to avoid the weather.

Communication Becomes Difficult

Chisi says the pilots stayed in contact until the aircraft left the Bromley route. That is when communication became difficult. He recalls that the pilot of Chivayo’s helicopter sounded pitched when speaking over the radio.

According to Chisi, when his helicopter tried the Bromley route, Chivayo’s helicopter never came out of the dark cloud. Contact was then lost completely. Even phones for the five people on Chivayo’s helicopter could not be reached, and mobile networks were not working.

Heading to Harare

Believing Chivayo’s helicopter had landed safely somewhere, Chisi’s aircraft flew on to Harare to collect vehicles so the team could drive back to Marondera. They had no network, so they could not confirm this.

What Was Heard at Kudenga Farm

A supervisor at Kudenga Farm, where the helicopter came down, has also described what he heard. He said there were unusual sounds as Chivayo’s helicopter was trying to make its way out of the dark cloud, until it crashed.

This is one witness’s recollection. Investigators have not said what the sounds were or whether they relate to the cause.

The News Reaches Them

Chisi then spoke with Chivayo’s brother, known as G6, who told them the helicopter had not landed but had crashed, and that there were no survivors.

What Investigators Are Doing

Police say forensic scientists and aviation experts have been deployed to the site. The Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe has also opened an investigation. Authorities have not established the cause, and an intact black box has reportedly been recovered. The accounts of Chisi and the farm supervisor do not replace the official findings.

Tributes and Official Response

Minister Tino Machakaire named the victims as Wicknell Chivayo, Lucy Chivayo (née Muteki), Senelisiwe Magagula, Captain Kelvin T. Soda and Captain Courage Mutavirwa. President Emmerson Mnangagwa confirmed Chivayo’s death and said the nation was in shock.

Key Takeaways

• Chisi was in the lead helicopter and says Chivayo’s aircraft followed.
• The pilots saw a dark cloud, reduced speed and altitude, and changed route.
• Chisi says Chivayo’s helicopter never came out of the dark cloud when his own aircraft tried the Bromley route.
• A supervisor at Kudenga Farm reported unusual sounds before the crash.
• The cause of the crash has not been officially determined.

This article reports on an ongoing story and will be updated as official findings are released.