Paul Tungwarara Vows to Keep Flying Helicopters
By Southerton Business Times Reporter, Harare
Presidential Investment Advisor Paul Tungwarara says he will continue travelling by helicopter despite warnings and prophecies urging him to reconsider the mode of transport following the death of businessman Wicknell Chivayo in a helicopter crash.
Tungwarara made the remarks after sharing a video of himself travelling by helicopter to Mberengwa, saying he would not allow fear of death to determine how he lives. The comments come days after Chivayo, his wife Lucy Muteke and four others died when a helicopter crashed in Marondera, Mashonaland East Province, on September 30. President Emmerson Mnangagwa subsequently confirmed Chivayo's death, while authorities said there were no survivors. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
Tungwarara Says He Will Keep Flying
In a post accompanying the video, Tungwarara said he had received warnings and prophecies advising him to stop using helicopters because of Chivayo's death. He, however, said he would not stop flying because of fear. “We are flying to Mberengwa,” Tungwarara said, adding that he would not stop using helicopters “out of fear of the unknown”.
He argued that death is inevitable and said people should not allow fear of death to prevent them from living their lives. Tungwarara also linked his decision to his relationship with Chivayo, saying he would continue flying helicopters in honour of his late friend. His remarks were reported after he posted footage from inside the aircraft on X. In the video, Tungwarara directly addressed those urging him to stop using helicopters.
He questioned why Chivayo's death should lead him to abandon a mode of transport he already uses. Tungwarara also compared the situation to continuing to travel to areas affected by other dangers, arguing that people cannot completely eliminate risk from their lives. His message was unequivocal: “We are not going to stop” flying helicopters.
Chivayo Helicopter Crash
Chivayo, 43, and Muteke were among six people killed when their helicopter crashed in rural Marondera on September 30. Government spokesperson Nick Mangwana confirmed at the time that the aircraft had a prominent businessman, other passengers and two pilots on board, with no survivors reported. The Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe has said preliminary findings showed that fuel spilled following the impact and a fire subsequently broke out. Investigators had not yet established what caused the helicopter to crash.
The tragedy has generated intense public discussion in Zimbabwe, particularly because Chivayo was a high-profile businessman known for his close relationship with senior political figures and his prominent social-media presence.
Tungwarara Faces Social Media Backlash
Tungwarara's decision to continue using helicopters has attracted criticism on social media, with some users questioning whether the recent crash should prompt greater caution among frequent helicopter users. However, his comments were framed around personal choice rather than an assessment of aviation safety.
Tungwarara has maintained that he will not allow warnings or fear surrounding the crash to dictate his movements. His latest remarks have therefore added another layer to the public debate following the death of Chivayo, as Zimbabwe continues to await further findings into the fatal Marondera helicopter crash.
Paul Tungwarara says he will continue flying helicopters despite warnings following Wicknell Chivayo's death in the Marondera helicopter crash.
Paul Tungwarara helicopter
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