HARARE, Zimbabwe – The family of Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo and his wife, Lucy Muteke, has said there will be no body viewing before their burial following the condition of their remains after the helicopter crash that killed them.
Family spokesperson and Chivayo’s uncle, Hebert Chivayo, made the announcement on Friday evening as relatives, friends, government officials, religious leaders and mourners gathered at the businessman’s Gletwin mansion in Harare.
Hebert said the condition of the victims’ remains made it impossible for mourners to view the bodies.
He described the crash scene at Kudenga Farm near Marondera as traumatising and said the victims’ remains had suffered extensive damage.
DNA Identification Underway
Authorities are conducting forensic examinations and DNA identification as they work to identify and match the remains of the five people killed in the September 30 crash.
Chivayo, his wife, two pilots and a security aide died when their helicopter crashed at Kudenga Farm near Marondera on Wednesday.
The two pilots, Captain Calvin Tafirei Soda and Captain Courage Matavirwa, are also being mourned by their families as funeral preparations continue.
The family has not yet announced burial arrangements for Chivayo and Muteke.
Family Speaks On Chivayo’s Estate
Hebert also spoke about Chivayo’s wishes concerning his children and estate, saying the businessman had expressed a desire for his children to inherit most of his wealth.
He said the family would respect that wish and rejected any suggestion that relatives would seek to benefit from the estate.
“These kids are the rightful beneficiaries of their father’s estate, and they will get everything,” Hebert said.
Chivayo’s death has drawn widespread attention in Zimbabwe, where the businessman was known for his high-profile lifestyle, philanthropic activities and relationships with prominent figures.
Investigations into the helicopter crash are ongoing.
