Antony Chawagarira
HARARE — Businessman Wicknell Chivayo and his wife, Lucy Muteke, are set to be buried without mourners viewing their bodies following the severity of injuries sustained in last week’s helicopter crash near Marondera.
Family spokesperson and Chivayo’s uncle, Hebert Chivayo, said the condition of the remains made body viewing impossible after the helicopter crashed at Kudenga Farm on Wednesday.
Hebert said relatives who visited the crash site encountered a traumatising scene, with the victims’ remains severely burnt and dismembered.
He said forensic examinations and DNA identification were being conducted to assist authorities in identifying and matching the remains of the five people who died in the accident.
Chivayo, Muteke, pilots Captain Calvin Tafirei Soda and Captain Courage Matavirwa, as well as a security aide, died when the helicopter crashed shortly after taking off.
The deaths have plunged the families and friends of the victims into mourning, with funeral preparations underway for the two pilots while arrangements for Chivayo and Muteke were yet to be announced.
Hebert also said the family would honour Chivayo’s wishes regarding his children and estate.
He said Chivayo had repeatedly expressed his desire for his children to inherit most of his wealth should he die.
The family spokesperson said the Chivayos would not fight over the businessman’s estate, maintaining that his children were the rightful beneficiaries.
The crash investigation and identification process is continuing as families await the release and confirmation of the remains for burial.
