Wicknell Chivayo Funeral: Family Shares Emotional Update On His Children
Wicknell Chivayo’s two children have yet to join mourners following the death of their father in Wednesday’s helicopter crash, with the family providing an emotional update on their situation.
The children have remained away from the funeral venue while the family deals with the aftermath of the tragedy and the ongoing process of formally identifying the five victims.
Chivayo’s children receive support
Family spokesperson Herbert Chivayo confirmed on Friday, 2 October, that the children were receiving counselling following their father’s death.
ZBC News reported that Herbert said the children had not yet joined mourners at the funeral venue because they were receiving support after losing their father.
The development comes as Chivayo’s former wife, Sonja Madzikanda, joined mourners at the family’s Gletwin home. Her mother, Tabitha, was also present.
The children’s absence has been notable as relatives, friends and associates continue gathering to pay their respects.
DNA process continues after helicopter crash
Funeral proceedings have now shifted to Chivayo’s Gletwin mansion as the family awaits the completion of forensic examinations.
According to ZBC News, the five bodies were collected by the Criminal Investigations Department for forensic examination and DNA testing.
Herbert said: “The five bodies have been collected by the CID for forensic examinations. They told us to come tomorrow morning, Friday, and they want two representatives for each body for the forensic examinations and DNA testing.”
Police identified the five victims as Chivayo, his wife Lucy Muteke, security aide Saneliswe Magagula, pilot Calvin Tafirei Soda and co-pilot Courage Mutavirwa.
Family prepares for burial arrangements
The family has also confirmed that Chivayo and Lucy are expected to be buried together, although the final location remains under discussion.
Herbert said relatives were waiting for Chivayo’s sisters to arrive from the United Kingdom before progressing with some funeral decisions.
He explained: “We are hoping Wicknell’s eldest sister, who is coming from the UK, will be here around 10 a.m., and the others will also follow. Then we can start making the burial arrangements.”
The crash occurred at Kudenga Farm in Marondera on Wednesday, 30 September. Investigations into what caused the helicopter to crash remain ongoing.
For Chivayo’s children and the wider family, Friday’s gathering comes as they navigate the immediate aftermath while forensic procedures and funeral preparations continue.
The post Wicknell Chivayo’s Children Yet To Join Mourners As Family Shares Emotional Update appeared first on iHarare News.
