BY TAFADZWA KACHIKO THE helicopter that crashed near Chibhero Agricultural College in Mhondoro on Sunday was privately owned and resulted in the death of its pilot, officials said yesterday.
The chopper was owned by Chikopokopo Helicopter Tours in Victoria Falls and had ferried comedian Felistas Murata, popularly known as Mai Titi to her wedding in Chisipite, Harare, the previous day.
The pilot, who was alone when the crash happened, was identified as Peter Chirimuuto.
Chikopokopo proprietor Lloyd Muchaka yesterday confirmed to NewsDay: “Yes, it is true that the chopper belonged to us. The pilot was the only one on board and he was on duty.”
Contacted for comment by NewsDay yesterday, police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said: “I am waiting for a full briefing.”
In a Facebook post yesterday Mai Titi said she was traumatised by Chirimuuto’s death.
“Just this morning people called me saying your pilot crashed and passed away soon after dropping me, I am thinking it is just false rumours. I didn’t know him. I just booked for Chikopokopo services and when I went on board he opened the door for me, saluted and said: ‘I’m honoured to be taking you to your big day’,” Mai Titi said.
“May his family be comforted, this is a terrible time. Ah God, why? My brother, I don’t know what to say. May your soul rest in peace and thank you for the hospitality you gave me those few minutes I knew you,” she said.
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