Prominent Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo and his wife, Lucy Muteke, were killed alongside three others in a helicopter crash on 30 September 2026. Mourners subsequently gathered at the Chivayo family home in Borrowdale, Harare, where high-profile figures and church members paid their respects as public debate over his complex legacy unfolded online.
Mourners, church members, and family gathered at the Chivayo family home in Borrowdale, Harare, following the deaths of Wicknell Chivayo and his wife, Lucy Muteke according to reporting from Briefly. The couple were among five individuals killed when their helicopter crashed on 30 September 2026 in the Marondera area. The additional victims were identified as Senelisiwe Magagula, Captain Kelvin T Soda, and Captain Courage Mutavirwa. The crash occurred at around 5 pm, claiming the lives of the couple, two crew members, and one other individual.
Prior to the fatal flight, the couple had been visiting Gandami in Chikomba District before departing for Harare.
ZBC News Broadcasts Live From the Borrowdale Homestead
During the broadcast, a correspondent on the scene reflected on the businessman’s widespread public footprint.
Zozo Mkandla Visits the Harare Mansion to Offer Condolences
As mourning continued across the capital, Zozo Mkandla—the widow of late Zimbabwean socialite Genius Kadungure, known widely as Ginimbi—was spotted visiting Chivayo’s mansion as reported by TUKO. Mkandla was among the guests who showed up at the lavish home to offer condolences, moving through the sprawling property alongside other mourners while drawing significant attention online as footage of her visit circulated widely across social media platforms.
Zozo was in the car at the time, surviving the accident that also claimed the lives of three of Ginimbi’s friends. Since his passing, she has remained a recognisable name in Zimbabwean celebrity circles, occasionally appearing at public events and gatherings involving the country’s social elite, and she is also a close associate of South Africa-based entrepreneur Zari Hassan.
Social Media Reactions and Public Debate Over Legacy
The live broadcast and ongoing memorial events generated sharp divisions online, with social media users sharing mixed reactions to the footage from the funeral home. While some social media users expressed condolences and forgiveness, others questioned the extensive media coverage given Chivayo’s past legal history.
One user, @LegalAssist5, wrote: In life we fight, but in death we don’t rejoice. Rest easy, son. You’re forgiven.
Another user, @charlesprincezw, added: Death is inevitable for all of us; only the time and the manner differ. It is sad to see people celebrating the passing of Sir Wicknell. None of us is perfect, and tomorrow belongs to no one. Rest in Peace, Muno.
Another user, @dextertawona, offered a different view, stating: My opinion is that he deserves to be declared a national hero.
Conversely, critics voiced disapproval. @FrankChihombori questioned the coverage, writing: Why a live broadcast of a funeral for a convicted fraudster? He isn’t a Sir.
@Gushaz28 took issue with ZBC’s priorities, writing: You guys can’t broadcast live soccer matches, but you are giving us minute-by-minute updates on events around Chigananda’s funeral. Blerry nonsense, we pay for these licenses.
Others raised questions about the location of the mourning, with @BigThemba83 asking: Why are they gathered in Borrowdale instead of Gletwyn, where he stayed?
Burial Plans Scheduled for October 8 at a Private Cemetery
Family spokesperson Herbert Chivayo outlined the upcoming funeral arrangements according to TUKO, revealing the burial plans for the Zimbabwean tycoon and his wife.