Wicknell Chivayo and Wife Will Be Buried In Coffins
The late businessman Wicknell Chivayo and his wife Lucy Muteke will be buried in coffins on Thursday at Glen Forest Cemetery in Harare — a departure from Johane Masowe YeChishanu burial rites.
Johane Masowe YeChishanu leader Madzibaba Lawrence Katsiru confirmed the development, saying it was due to the state of the remains after the helicopter crash in Marondera.
Traditional Johane Masowe eChishanu burial customs often avoid conventional modern coffins, opting instead for simpler materials like cloth or sheets, though specific practices can vary or adapt depending on the family and church leadership’s guidance.
The church also observes core traditions such as mourners wearing signature white garments (nguvo chena) during the wake and burial service. The church staff (tsvimbo) that belonged to the deceased is also handed over to his heir in some instances and some who are not church members converted if they agree. The church elders also announce to mourners that the dead has been received in “heaven”.
According to Madzibaba Katsiru, because the bodies were severely burnt and forensic identification was complicated, the church and family agreed to use coffins.
The Chivayos were proud Johane Masowe YeChishanu congregants and called each other “madzibaba Wicknell and madzimai Lucy”.
Wicknell and Lulu are set to be buried at Glen Forest Cemetery on Thursday.