A dramatic incident unfolded at the funeral wake of Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo, held at his Gletwin residence. A social media influencer, identified as Elvido, was removed from the premises in a shocking turn of events. A video circulating online captured the moment a group of men walked Elvido away from the residence and directed him towards the car park. The incident has sparked widespread interest, with many questioning what led to his removal.
Wicknell Chivayo, widely known as "Sir Wicknell," was a prominent public personality in Zimbabwe. He was known for his bold public image, built around business ventures, political connections, and a social media presence that regularly showcased luxury items. Chivayo's online presence often featured posts about his lavish lifestyle, including luxury cars, designer fashion, private jets, and high-value gifts to celebrities, religious leaders, politicians, and ordinary citizens.
Chivayo's relationships with powerful figures were well documented. Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa counted Chivayo among his close associates, while the businessman also maintained a publicly visible friendship with Kenyan President William Ruto. In August 2026, Chivayo shared a video of President Ruto personally driving him to a helicopter, a moment that attracted widespread attention and discussion online.
The funeral wake was held to mourn Chivayo, who died on 30 September at the age of 43. He was travelling in a helicopter with his wife, Lucy Muteke, when the aircraft came down near Marondera, roughly 70 kilometres east of Harare. The helicopter struck the ground, ruptured its fuel supply, and burst into flames on impact. A total of five people lost their lives in the crash, including pilot Captain Calvin Tafirei Soda and co-pilot Captain Courage Mutavirwa.
Given the severity of the wreckage, DNA and forensic analysis were needed to formally identify all victims. Chivayo's death has sparked an outpouring of tributes from across the continent, with many paying respects to his flamboyant and charismatic personality. Hours before his death, he posted online about gifting two of his lawyers a pair of luxury vehicles and 750,000 US dollars in cash, framing it as a final grand gesture of generosity.
The incident involving Elvido has raised questions about the circumstances surrounding his removal from the funeral wake. Neither Elvido nor representatives of the Chivayo family have publicly explained what led to his removal. The video of the incident has sparked widespread debate, with many speculating about the reasons behind Elvido's removal.
The legacy of Wicknell Chivayo continues to be felt, with many reflecting on his impact on Zimbabwean society. His lavish lifestyle and high-profile connections often sparked debate and discussion online. As the nation continues to mourn his passing, many are left to wonder what the future holds for those who were close to him.
Key points
- A social media influencer was escorted off the premises of late Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo's home during a funeral wake.
- Wicknell Chivayo died on 30 September at the age of 43 in a helicopter crash that killed five people.
- Chivayo was a prominent public personality known for his bold public image and high-profile connections.
