Helicopter crash victim 'was tired of using cars'

Christian Malila Ndou, the late Beitbridge tycoon, who died in a horrific helicopter crash last Sunday, was buried yesterday amid revelations by Home Affairs minister Kembo Mohadi that he had confided in him that he was tired of using cars for his trips to South Africa.

Ndou whose home is in Tshamnanga village, was buried at his boyhood village of Siyoka after he wrote in his will that he wanted to be laid to rest next to his father's grave.

The businessman died on the spot at the Maphane area, 6km outside Gwanda town from multiple injuries after he was struck by the chopper's rotor blades as he tried to jump to safety.

His body was severed into pieces and mourners were yesterday not allowed to view the remains. Mohadi described Ndlovu as a man of the people.

"As his (business) empire grew, he told me he was tired of driving across South Africa and wanted a helicopter. We were happy for him when he acquired one, but little did we know it was going to take his life," the minister said.

The minister said Ndou had received a State-assisted funeral.

Ndou was born in Beitbridge in 1960 and attended school at Siyoka and Beitbridge town.

Ndou left for South Africa soon after independence to pursue business interests and ran a thriving security company.

The wealthy businessman is survived by his wife and six children.