Wicknell Chivayo and his wife Lucy Muteke will be buried in Harare on Thursday.
The couple died in a devastating helicopter crash near Marondera last week.
However, their families will conduct the burial without recovering all of their remains.
Chivayo and Muteke will be laid to rest at Glen Forest Cemetery on Thursday, October 8.
The burial follows forensic examinations and DNA tests on remains recovered from the crash site.
According to ZBC News, both families agreed on the funeral arrangements after the identification process ended.
The tragedy has attracted widespread attention across Zimbabwe since the helicopter crashed on September 30.
The aircraft went down at Kudenga Farm near Marondera before flames engulfed the wreckage.
Five people died in the crash, including Chivayo, Muteke, two pilots and Muteke’s aide.
Family confirms missing remains after crash
The intense fire severely damaged the bodies, making identification particularly difficult for investigators.
Forensic specialists therefore examined the recovered remains before conducting DNA testing.
The authorities later confirmed the identities of the five victims through the forensic process.
However, Chivayo and Muteke’s families revealed that some remains could not be recovered.
Family spokesperson Herbert Chivayo addressed the issue while speaking to journalists on Monday.
He rejected claims circulating online that investigators had recovered the victims’ heads.
“There has been speculation on social media that there ere four head skulls that were found. That is not true,” he said.
The family spokesperson explained that investigators recovered only pieces of skulls.
“We did not find any head. There were some pieces of skulls that were suspected to be head skulls, but they were not. The last things thsat were found were Sir Wicknell’s wrist watch and my daughter in law’s watch.”
The comments ended speculation surrounding reports about the recovery operation.
Investigators had previously taken the recovered bodies into Criminal Investigations Department custody.
They then carried out forensic examinations and DNA testing to establish the victims’ identities.
The difficult recovery process followed the extensive damage caused by the crash and subsequent fire.
Chivayo and Muteke to receive public burial
Despite the unusual circumstances, the families have chosen to hold a public funeral.
Friends, relatives, colleagues and members of the public will have an opportunity to attend.
Glen Forest Cemetery will host the couple’s final burial ceremony on Thursday.
The family reportedly selected the Harare cemetery because of the couple’s extensive connections within the city.
Their burial will therefore allow many mourners to gather and pay their final respects.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa previously confirmed Chivayo’s death following the helicopter tragedy.
The crash also drew significant attention outside Zimbabwe as details of the incident emerged.
The Associated Press reported that the helicopter caught fire after crashing.
Authorities also faced considerable challenges while identifying the victims because of the condition of the remains.
Meanwhile, investigators continue examining the circumstances that caused the helicopter to crash.
The couple’s funeral will proceed without a conventional viewing of their bodies.
Instead, forensic teams will have identified the recovered remains before their burial.
The ceremony will bring a painful chapter to a close for the families.
It will also allow mourners to remember Chivayo and Muteke despite the tragic circumstances surrounding their deaths.
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