Zimbabwean businessman and philanthropist Wicknell Chivayo and his wife, Lucy “Lulu” Muteke, have been laid to rest in Harare following their deaths in a helicopter crash that also claimed the lives of three other people.
The couple were buried side by side on Thursday, Oct. 8, at Sahwira Glen Forest Memorial Park, in a ceremony attended by government officials, business leaders, politicians, church representatives, musicians, sports personalities and members of the public.
Chivayo and Muteke died on Sept. 30 when their helicopter crashed at Kudenga Farm in the Marondera area, about 70 kilometres east of Harare. The other victims were Muteke’s aide, Senelisiwe Magagula, and pilots Capt. Kelvin Soda and Capt. Courage Mutavirwa.
The burial followed days of mourning at the couple’s family home in Gletwin and a procession through Harare that attracted large crowds. Their final journey featured luxury vehicles and a gathering of prominent figures from Zimbabwe and neighbouring countries.
Chivayo, widely known as “Sir Wicknell,” was buried with provincial hero status conferred on him by President Emmerson Mnangagwa. The recognition acknowledged his philanthropic activities and contributions to communities and institutions across Zimbabwe.
Harare Metropolitan Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Charles Tawengwa, who attended as chief mourner, described the couple’s deaths as a significant loss to their family, the business community and the country.
Tawengwa said Chivayo had established business interests in sectors including energy and telecommunications, while pursuing renewable energy and infrastructure projects beyond Zimbabwe, including in Kenya, Tanzania and Eswatini.
He also highlighted Chivayo’s support for sports, education, health, agriculture and community welfare. The businessman was known for funding medical bills, providing vehicles and supporting individuals and organisations through highly publicised donations.
His philanthropic activities earned him considerable public attention, although his close connections to Zimbabwe’s ruling political establishment and his lavish lifestyle also attracted criticism and scrutiny.
Zimbabwean authorities have launched an investigation into the helicopter crash to establish its cause.
Information Minister Zhemu Soda said the investigation was being conducted in line with the Convention on International Civil Aviation and the country’s Civil Aviation Act. The wreckage was recovered to Charles Prince Airport to allow detailed forensic examination, including work by international experts.
Authorities said a preliminary report was expected within 30 days of the announcement, although the final findings will depend on the investigation.
The crash brought an abrupt end to the lives of a businessman whose influence extended across commercial, political and philanthropic circles in Zimbabwe.
The deaths have also drawn attention to aviation safety and the importance of establishing the circumstances surrounding the accident through a transparent technical investigation.
For the families of the five victims, the burial marked the conclusion of the immediate funeral proceedings, while questions about the cause of the crash remain subject to the ongoing investigation.
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