Wicknell Chivayo's family has started planning his funeral after the Zimbabwean businessman died in a helicopter crash on September 30, 2026, alongside his wife and three others. His uncle, Herbert, has taken on the role of family spokesperson, confirming that relatives have traveled to Marondera, where the crash occurred. Forensic experts and aviation authorities have completed their preliminary work at the site. The family is currently focused on identifying the remains, a critical step due to the nature of the crash.
The remains of Chivayo and the other victims were transferred to Doves Funeral Services, where they will be held until identification and official clearance are complete. Herbert explained that a post-mortem has been scheduled at the Forensic Department to aid in the identification process. The family has chosen to hold mourning proceedings at Chivayo's mother's home, number 14 Stan Chat, rather than at his own residence, due to specific circumstances surrounding his house.
A firm burial date has not yet been set, largely because all of Chivayo's sisters are currently outside Zimbabwe. Herbert emphasized that the family will not proceed with the burial without them, expressing hope that at least half would return by Sunday. As the youngest brother of Chivayo's late father, Herbert has taken on the responsibility of coordinating arrangements on behalf of the family.
The family is considering four possible burial sites: Gandami, Rusha, Farm Number 513, and Glenforest. No final decision will be made until the family has fully gathered. Herbert also indicated that the family remains open to direction from government officials should authorities choose to play a role in the funeral arrangements.
Chivayo's family is urging mourners to visit and pay their respects at his mother's home, where customary proceedings will take place. The family is yet to receive any guidance from government officials, but they are prepared to follow any planned directives.
A security aide attached to Chivayo gave a harrowing account of the last radio transmissions made by the pilot before the helicopter crash that killed five people on September 30, 2026. The aide, who was aboard a separate helicopter on the same return journey, reported that conditions in the sky deteriorated sharply while both aircraft were in the air.
The pilot carrying Chivayo suggested rerouting through Bromley to avoid the worsening weather, but unfortunately, the helicopter crashed, resulting in the deaths of all on board, including Chivayo and his wife. The family is still in the process of coming to terms with the tragic loss.
Key points
- Wicknell Chivayo's family begins funeral planning amid forensic identification of remains.
- Family considers four possible burial sites for Chivayo.
- Burial date undecided until Chivayo's sisters return from outside Zimbabwe.