The family of Zimbabwean businessman and philanthropist Wicknell Chivayo has made a painful decision regarding his final send-off following his death in a helicopter crash that also claimed the life of his wife, Lucy Muteke.
The family has confirmed that mourners will not be allowed to publicly view the bodies of Chivayo and Muteke before their burial.
Family spokesperson Herbert Chivayo announced the decision as relatives, friends and associates gathered to mourn the couple and begin preparations for their final farewell.
According to the family, the condition of the remains following the devastating crash made a traditional body-viewing ceremony impossible.
Family speaks on body viewing
Speaking to mourners gathered at the family residence, Herbert said the family had reached a collective decision not to have a public viewing.
“The family has decided that there will be no viewing of the bodies,” Herbert Chivayo said.
The announcement means that Chivayo ‘s friends, business associates and members of the public who had hoped to pay their final respects through a viewing ceremony will instead have to rely on other funeral and mourning arrangements.
The decision comes as the family continues to deal with the circumstances surrounding the businessman’s sudden death.
Chivayo and wife died in helicopter crash
Chivayo, popularly known as Sir Wicknell, died on September 30, 2026, after the helicopter he was travelling in crashed in the Marondera area of Zimbabwe.
His wife Lucy was among those who died in the accident.
Authorities initially provided differing casualty figures as investigations and identification efforts got underway, but Zimbabwean police later confirmed the victims and said five people were aboard the aircraft, including Chivayo, Muteke and two pilots.
Forensic experts subsequently began the difficult process of identifying the remains through DNA testing.
Zimbabwe’s national broadcaster reported that the bodies had been collected by the Criminal Investigations Department for forensic examinations, with family representatives expected to assist with the identification process.
Couple expected to be buried together
Before the latest decision on body viewing, the Chivayo family had indicated that Wicknell and Lucy would be buried together.
Herbert said Lucy’s relatives had given the family permission for the couple to have a joint funeral and final resting place.
He described the couple as deeply attached, noting that they were frequently together.
The family was considering possible burial locations, including the couple’s rural home area and Glen Forest, although a final decision was yet to be announced.
The arrival of Chivayo’s sisters from abroad was also expected to play a role in finalising the funeral arrangements.
Family and friends gather to mourn
Following news of the tragedy, relatives, church members and close associates gathered at the Chivayo family homestead in Borrowdale, Harare, to mourn the businessman and his wife.
The gatherings have brought together people who knew Chivayo personally as well as beneficiaries of his philanthropy and business activities.
Chivayo was one of Zimbabwe’s most recognisable businessmen, with a public profile built around his business ventures, philanthropy, political connections and highly publicised lifestyle.
His death has consequently attracted widespread attention in Zimbabwe and across the region.
Investigations into crash continue
Meanwhile, authorities are still investigating the circumstances that led to the helicopter crash.
The aircraft went down at Kudenga Farm near Marondera after taking off from Gandami in Chikomba, where Chivayo and his wife were reportedly developing a home.
Preliminary findings indicated that fuel spilled following the impact and a fire broke out afterward.
Officials have stressed that the post-crash fire does not, by itself, establish what caused the helicopter to go down.
Investigators are continuing to examine the wreckage and other evidence.
The circumstances surrounding the crash have therefore remained under investigation as the families of the victims prepare for their final farewells.
Tributes continue to pour in
Chivayo’s death has prompted tributes from prominent figures in Zimbabwe and beyond.
Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa confirmed his death and paid tribute to the businessman, while Kenyan President William Ruto also mourned Chivayo, whom he described as a friend.
Chivayo was particularly well known for his public philanthropy and his close relationships with prominent political, business and entertainment figures.
His death has also affected events that he had been supporting.
Musician Thomas Mapfumo, for example, expressed condolences to the Chivayo family and said his team remained committed to honouring an existing performance obligation connected to a wedding that had been affected by the tragedy.
As the Chivayo and Muteke families continue preparations for the burial, the decision to forgo public viewing marks another emotional chapter in the mourning process following the tragic helicopter crash.
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