Family, Friends Gather to Mourn Wicknell Chivayo and Wife Lucy Muteke

Family members, church leaders, friends and close associates gathered at the Harare home of late Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo on Thursday night, October 1, 2026, to mourn the tycoon and his wife, Lucy Muteke.

The sombre gathering took place at the Chivayo family residence in Borrowdale, Harare, as relatives and people close to the couple came together following their deaths in a helicopter crash.

Images and videos from the home showed mourners gathered as the family began coming to terms with the loss and preparations for the couple’s final send-off got underway.

Chivayo and Lucy died on Wednesday, September 30, after the helicopter they were travelling in crashed in Marondera, Zimbabwe.

Church community mourns Chivayo

Chivayo maintained close links with religious communities in Zimbabwe and was known for supporting church activities and members.

The Johanne Masowe EChishanu Church in Marondera also mourned his death, with church leaders describing the businessman’s passing as a major loss to the church and the wider community.

At his Harare residence, church members joined relatives and close associates in paying their respects as the family awaited further developments regarding the funeral arrangements.

Burial plans await forensic process

The family is yet to announce a definitive burial date as forensic experts continue working to formally identify the remains of the crash victims.

Family spokesperson Herbert Chivayo said Lucy’s relatives had agreed to have the couple buried at the same cemetery.

However, he said the family must first await formal confirmation from forensic experts before finalising the funeral arrangements.

The identification process has been complicated by the severity of the crash, with further forensic examinations required before the remains can be released for burial.

Herbert said the family would meet and determine the way forward once the forensic procedures are completed.