Wicknell Chivayo and Wife Lucy Muteke’s Coffins Emerge Ahead of Burial at Glen Forest in Zimbabwe
- Wicknell Chivayo's funeral service started at Olwen Crockery House on Wednesday, 7 October 2026, led by Vapostori clergy
- Chivayo's coffin was draped in the Zimbabwean flag after President Mnangagwa granted him Provincial Hero status
- The couple, who died in a helicopter crash near Marondera, are set to be buried at Glen Forest on Thursday, 8 October 2026
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The funeral service for businessman Wicknell Chivayo and his wife, Lucy Muteke, began at Olwen Crockery House on Wednesday, 7 October 2026, with Vapostori clergy presiding in line with their church doctrine.
Images from the service, shared by Zimbabwean broadcaster ZTN Prime, offered a first look at the couple's coffins. Chivayo's was draped in the Zimbabwean flag, a visible mark of the Provincial Hero status President Emmerson Mnangagwa conferred on him. The honour was announced by Minister of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training, Tino Machakaire, who said the decision recognised Chivayo's contributions to the ruling Zanu-PF party, churches and communities across the country.
Chivayo and Lucy Muteke were among five people killed when their helicopter went down at Kudenga Farm in the Marondera area of Mashonaland East on Wednesday, 30 September 2026. Pilot Calvin Tafirei Soda, co-pilot Courage Mutavirwa and security aide Saneliswe Magagula also perished in the crash. There were no survivors. The three crew members and security aide have since been laid to rest.
Family spokesperson Herbert Chivayo confirmed that the couple will be buried at Glen Forest on Thursday.
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Wicknell Chivayo and wife granted coffins
The decision to use coffins carries particular significance. Members of the Johane Masowe yeChishanu faith are traditionally buried without them, but Madzibaba Lawrence Katsiru, the church's leader, confirmed during the funeral wake at the couple's home in Gletwyn, Harare, that Chivayo and Muteke would be exceptions to that practice.
Chivayo was one of Zimbabwe's most prominent and controversial public figures, having cultivated a high-profile image built on business interests, political connections and philanthropy over many years.
See the photos of the coffins below:
Wicknell Chivayo and Lucy Muteke burial open to public
Meanwhile, Briefly News reported that the Chivayo family confirmed that Wicknell Chivayo and Lulu Muteke's burial at Glen Forest Cemetery is open to all members of the public.
Zimbabweans have flooded social media with reactions following the shock deaths of the high-profile couple.
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Source: Briefly News
