Wicknell Chivayo and Wife to Be Buried Without Body Viewing

The family of late Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo and his wife, Lucy Muteke, has announced that mourners will not be allowed to view their bodies during the funeral proceedings.

Family spokesperson Herbert Chivayo made the announcement on Friday night, October 2, as relatives, friends and associates gathered at the businessman’s home in Harare to mourn the couple.

Herbert said the decision was made because of the condition of the remains following the helicopter crash.

“The family has decided that there will be no viewing of the bodies,” he said.

The decision applies to both Chivayo and his wife as their families continue with funeral and burial arrangements.

Funeral Preparations Continue

Funeral wakes for the victims are being held in different parts of Harare as families prepare for their respective final send-offs.

Captain Calvin Tafirei Soda, one of the pilots who died in the crash, is scheduled to be buried in Marondera on Sunday, October 4. His funeral wake is being held at the family home in Philadelphia, Harare.

A separate funeral wake for Captain Courage Matavirwa is underway in Highfield, Harare, as relatives and friends continue to pay their respects.

The crash claimed the lives of six people, including Chivayo, Muteke, the two pilots and security aide Senelisiwe Magagula.

Forensic Identification Underway

Forensic examinations and DNA identification procedures are also continuing as authorities work to formally identify and match the remains of those who died in the crash.

The identification process has been taking place alongside preparations for the funerals, with family representatives involved in the forensic procedures.

Investigation Into Crash Continues

Authorities have not yet established the cause of the helicopter crash.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe has reported that preliminary observations showed a fuel spill after the helicopter struck the ground, followed by a fire. Officials have cautioned that the post-crash fire does not, by itself, establish what caused the aircraft to crash.

Chivayo, his wife and the other occupants died after the helicopter crashed near Marondera on Wednesday, September 30, 2026. Zimbabwean authorities and aviation investigators are continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding the accident.

The family is meanwhile continuing with funeral arrangements as forensic procedures and the official investigation proceed.