By Staff Reporter
HARARE — There will be no body viewing for businessman Wicknell Chivayo and his wife, Lucy nee Muteke, following the helicopter crash that claimed their lives, the family has said.
Chivayo’s uncle and family spokesperson, Herbert Chivayo, told mourners and President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who paid his last respects at the businessman’s Gletwin mansion on Friday evening, that the condition of the bodies made viewing impossible.
Herbert described the crash scene at Kudenga Farm near Marondera as traumatising, saying the five victims suffered severe injuries from the impact and ensuing fire.
“When we arrived at the scene, human flesh and body parts were scattered everywhere. It was a gory scene,” he said.
The victims’ remains were severely burnt and dismembered, making identification difficult.
“Even the heads were severed during the accident and bodies were badly burnt,” Herbert said.
Forensic examinations and DNA testing are underway as authorities work to identify and match the remains of the five people killed in the crash.
Chivayo, his wife, two pilots and a security aide died on Wednesday when their helicopter crashed at Kudenga Farm near Marondera.
The crash brought a sudden end to the life of the flamboyant businessman, who was known for his lavish lifestyle, high-profile friendships and public displays of wealth.
As the family dealt with the loss, Herbert also revealed Chivayo’s wishes regarding his children and estate.
“When he was alive he would say, ‘Dad, if I die ensure that my children get most of my wealth so that they will grow up to remember me,’” he said.
Herbert said the family would honour Chivayo’s wishes, insisting that his children were the rightful beneficiaries of his estate.
“We, the Chivayos, are not greedy to go after a late family member’s hard-earned wealth.
These kids are the rightful beneficiaries of their father’s estate and they will get everything,” he said.
Family, friends, government officials, religious leaders and hundreds of mourners gathered at Chivayo’s Gletwin home to pay their respects to the businessman and his wife.
Burial arrangements had not yet been announced.
