Funeral preparations for Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo have drawn significant public attention, with details emerging about the cost of the caskets arranged for his burial. A 14-carat gold coffin, valued at approximately US$217,000, was specially imported from Malaysia for Chivayo's interment. This coffin will serve as his final resting place. The gold coffin and vehicle-shaped caskets are separate items, with the gold coffin confirmed as the intended burial coffin.
Photographs taken at the funeral parlour have revealed two additional vehicle-shaped caskets. One is styled after a Rolls-Royce, complete with the signature front grille and bearing the registration number WMC 777. The second casket is designed to resemble a Mercedes-Benz and is draped in the Zimbabwean flag. Both caskets were decorated with white floral arrangements and candles. These caskets reflect Chivayo's flamboyant lifestyle and public displays of wealth.
Wicknell Chivayo and his wife, Lucy, were tragically killed along with three others in a helicopter crash in Marondera, Zimbabwe. The revelation of the funeral costs has generated considerable discussion online, with the story continuing to trend following the disclosure of the arrangements. The extravagance of the funeral preparations mirrors the lifestyle Chivayo was publicly associated with during his lifetime.
Sources close to the family confirmed that the gold coffin was brought in specifically for Chivayo's burial. The centrepiece of the burial plans is the gold coffin, which has sparked widespread attention on social media platforms. Information about the arrangements was shared on Facebook on Wednesday, 7 October 2026, and quickly circulated.
The funeral preparations reflect Chivayo's conspicuous displays of wealth, including luxury vehicles and high-profile public gestures. The businessman was widely known in Zimbabwe and beyond for his displays of wealth. Earlier, a garage tour video surfaced, showcasing Chivayo and his wife's luxury car collection, including 11 high-end vehicles.
The luxury car collection featured in the garage tour video included a Rolls-Royce, Lamborghini, Bentley, and Mercedes-Maybach. However, the cars shown reportedly represent only a fraction of Chivayo's wider collection. The footage offered a glimpse into the couple's extraordinary wealth.
The story was reported by Delali Adogla-Bessa, a Current Affairs Editor with YEN.com.gh, who has over seven years of experience in media. The article was published on 8 Oct 2026 at 10:15 AM.
Key points
- A 14-carat gold coffin valued at approximately US$217,000 was imported from Malaysia for Wicknell Chivayo's burial.
- Two vehicle-themed caskets, one styled after a Rolls-Royce and the other resembling a Mercedes-Benz, were also arranged for the funeral.
- The funeral preparations reflect Chivayo's flamboyant lifestyle and public displays of wealth.
