By Chiedza Nyabadza
Businessman and philanthropist Wicknell Chivayo and his wife, Lucy “Lulu” Muteke, were laid to rest at Sahwira Glen Forest Memorial Park in Harare yesterday, bringing their final journey to an end.
Chivayo, 46, and Muteke, 35, died on September 30 when their Bell 430 helicopter crashed at Kudenga Farm in Marondera Rural while travelling from Gandami in Chikomba to Marondera.
The crash also claimed the lives of pilot Calvin Tafirei Soda, co-pilot Courage Mutavira and security aide Saneliswe Magagula.
Following President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s declaration of Chivayo as a Provincial Hero, his custom Rolls-Royce-inspired casket, inscribed “WMC 777”, was draped in the Zimbabwean flag.
Muteke was buried in a Mercedes-Benz casket.
The couple’s remains were taken to their Gletwin residence after an emotional procession through Harare’s central business district on Wednesday brought parts of the city to a standstill.
Family spokesperson Herbert Chivayo said the couple sustained severe injuries in the crash and their bodies were burnt beyond recognition, making forensic DNA identification necessary.
“The couple had severe injuries, therefore they will be buried in their coffins.
“This is also against the Johane Masowe religion, but we do not have a choice,” he said.
The family also confirmed that the couple were buried without their heads, which were not recovered from the crash site.
There was no body viewing.
The atmosphere at the newly established Sahwira Glen Forest Memorial Park was sombre as relatives, friends, business associates and members of the Johane Masowe yeChishanu church gathered to pay their final respects through hymns and prayers.
Presiding over the burial, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Harare Metropolitan Province, Hon Charles Tawengwa, who represented President Mnangagwa, paid tribute to Chivayo’s contribution to national development.
“President Mnangagwa declared Wicknell Chivayo a Provincial Hero due to his contribution to national development.
“The nation has lost a business partner and a brother,” Hon Tawengwa said.
In an emotional tribute, Chivayo’s brother, G6, spoke about the businessman’s impact on his life and recalled their experiences as brothers.
“I picked your dog food, and I would do it again just to see you for another 10 minutes. Thank you for the dog food bucket, thank you for the BMW, for our fights as brothers every now and then, thank you for the Fridays we went to Masowe together, and for loving your children,” he said.
He said Chivayo’s legacy belonged solely to his children.
Government officials who addressed mourners included Information Communication Technologies, Postal and Courier Services Minister Tatenda Mavetera and Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training Minister Tino Machakaire.
Mavetera highlighted Chivayo’s contribution towards the rebuilding of Garwe Stadium in Chivhu, while Machakaire described him as a man who combined ego, boldness and kindness.
The Muteke family, represented by Lulu’s brother, Baba Muteke, also paid tribute to the couple and thanked Zimbabweans for standing with the family during the difficult period.
Chivayo and Muteke were buried side by side at the hilltop section of Glen Forest, next to Chivayo’s mother, Canisia Chivayo, who died in 2021.
A preliminary report into the helicopter crash is expected within 30 days.
