A video recorded on September 21, 2026, at a grassy landing site surrounded by onlookers has emerged, showing Wicknell Chivayo's brother speaking to a helicopter pilot. The footage, captured at what appeared to be a Johane Masowe Chishanu church event, shows crowds gathering excitedly around a red-and-white helicopter. Buses bearing the name "Johane Masowe Chishanu" were visible in the background, suggesting the gathering was connected to the religious community.
In the clip, Chivayo's brother can be heard addressing the pilot directly, his words carrying the weight of a man determined to see his sibling protected. The atmosphere was joyful, with onlookers waving and filming on their phones, caught up in the excitement of watching a helicopter land. The video has since circulated widely online, with many viewers noting the painful irony of a brother taking such deliberate steps to ensure Chivayo's safety, only for news of his death to follow so soon after.
Wicknell Chivayo was one of Zimbabwe's most recognisable and controversial businessmen, known for his close ties to the ruling ZANU-PF establishment and his lavish public lifestyle. He frequently made headlines for his ostentatious spending, high-profile friendships, and outspoken social media presence, making him a polarising figure in the country. His passing sent shockwaves across Zimbabwe and the wider region, with tributes and reactions flooding social media almost immediately.
Chivayo was confirmed dead on September 30, 2026, just nine days after the helicopter video was recorded. The video now carries a poignant context, with many viewers reflecting on the final days of one of Zimbabwe's most talked-about personalities. The footage stands as an unexpectedly poignant document of the final days of Chivayo.
The video was filmed at a religious gathering, with buses bearing the name "Johane Masowe Chishanu" visible in the background. The gathering was likely connected to the Johane Masowe Chishanu church, which has a significant following in Zimbabwe. The video has sparked an outpouring of tributes and memories of Chivayo, who was known for his flamboyant lifestyle and high-profile connections.
Amondi Aroko, the Entertainment Editor at Tuko.co.ke, reported on the story, highlighting the irony of the video and the circumstances surrounding Chivayo's death. Aroko has nine years of experience in local and international media, having worked at Family Media (Kenya) and written for News Deeply, New York (USA).
The story has sparked widespread interest, with many readers reflecting on the life and legacy of Wicknell Chivayo. The video of his brother cautioning the pilot has been widely shared, with many viewers expressing shock and sadness at the circumstances surrounding his death.
Key points
- Wicknell Chivayo, a Zimbabwean businessman, died on September 30, 2026.
- A video of Chivayo's brother cautioning a helicopter pilot was filmed on September 21, 2026.
- Chivayo was known for his close ties to the ruling ZANU-PF establishment and his lavish public lifestyle.
