Antony Chawagarira
HARARE – The pilot who died in the Marondera helicopter crash that claimed five lives, Captain Calvin Tafirei Soda, will be buried in Marondera on Sunday.
Captain Soda’s funeral wake is underway at his family home in Philadelphia, Harare, where relatives, friends and mourners have gathered to pay their respects to the veteran aviator.
Mourners described Captain Soda as a hard-working family man, unifier and dedicated aviator whose death had left a deep void among those who knew him.
Captain Soda was among the five people who died when the helicopter crashed in rural Marondera on Wednesday.
The accident also claimed the lives of businessman Wicknell Chivayo, his wife Lucy Muteke, co-pilot Captain Courage Matavirwa and aide Senelisiwe Magagula.
Meanwhile, the funeral wake for Captain Matavirwa is being held at his family home in Highfield, Harare.
Captain Soda is survived by his wife, Shamiso, and three children.
The crash has left families, friends and communities mourning the deaths of the five occupants as investigations into the circumstances surrounding the accident continue.
