Chivayo Pilot Captain Calvin Soda Laid To Rest At Marondera Farm
Captain Calvin Tafirei Soda, the pilot of the helicopter that crashed in Marondera, was laid to rest at his Igava farm in Marondera this afternoon.
Soda was one of five people killed when the helicopter went down at Kudenga Farm near Marondera on Wednesday, 30 September 2026.
The helicopter was carrying prominent businessman Wicknell Chivayo, 46, his wife Lucy Muteke, 35, their aide Sanelisiwe Magagula, and co-pilot Courage Mutavirwa. All five died on the spot after the aircraft hit the ground and caught fire.
Police said the bodies were badly burnt, requiring DNA identification before formal confirmation. Government spokesperson Nick Mangwana said there were no survivors.
Chivayo was known for his close ties to President Emmerson Mnangagwa and other African leaders, and for flaunting luxury cars and lavish gifts on social media. He had married Muteke, a personal shopper and model, in 2025.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe said initial assessments indicated the aircraft struck the ground, leading to a fuel spill and fire. The cause is still under investigation, with investigators examining the aircraft’s black box.
President Mnangagwa said he was in “deep shock and grief” over the tragedy.
Chivayo and his wife are set to be buried on Thursday at Glen Forest Cemetery in Harare.