WICKNELL CHIVAYO AND WIFE LUCY BURIED SIDE BY SIDE WITH MILITARY HONOURS AS ZIMBABWEAN FLAG FLIES AT HALF-MAST
Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo and his wife, Lucy “Lulu” Muteke, were laid to rest side by side on Thursday, 8 October 2026, at Sahwira Glen Forest Memorial Park in Harare, in an elaborate funeral attended by senior government officials, business leaders and thousands of mourners.
The couple tragically lost their lives in a helicopter crash on 30 September 2026 near Marondera, Zimbabwe. Three other people, including two pilots and Lucy’s aide, also died in the accident.
Chivayo, who was accorded Provincial Hero status by President Emmerson Mnangagwa in recognition of his philanthropic contributions, received military honours during the burial ceremony.
Members of the Zimbabwe National Army participated in the proceedings, with a ceremonial gun salute fired as the couple’s caskets were lowered into their separate graves.
The Zimbabwean national flag was also seen flying at half-mast, adding to the solemn atmosphere of the occasion, although it has not been established whether flags were officially ordered lowered nationwide.
The funeral attracted several high-ranking government officials, politicians, traditional and religious leaders, business personalities and other dignitaries, including a delegation representing King Mswati III of Eswatini.
The couple’s final journey through Harare featured an impressive convoy of luxury vehicles, including Rolls-Royces, reflecting the lavish lifestyle for which Chivayo was widely known.
Although Chivayo was not declared a National Hero, the military honours and extensive government representation gave the ceremony many of the characteristics associated with a state funeral.
The burial brought to an end days of mourning following the tragic deaths of Chivayo and his wife, whose graves now lie side by side at the memorial park.
New Age TV