A Final Ride Like No Other: Wicknell Chivayo And Lucy Muteke’s Luxury Car Coffins Stun Harare
Harare stood still this week as Zimbabwe said goodbye to one of its most flamboyant sons in a farewell as extraordinary as the life he lived. The bodies of businessman Wicknell Chivayo and his wife Lucy “Lulu” Muteke were placed in custom-built coffins designed to resemble the front ends of luxury cars, a final tribute that has left the nation both awestruck and divided.
Image Credit: The distinctive automotive-themed caskets have drawn mass attention during the funeral proceedings.
The caskets were unveiled at Doves Funeral Services in Harare on Wednesday 7 October 2026 ahead of a funeral service that drew hundreds of mourners dressed in white. Chivayo’s coffin featured a Rolls-Royce-style front grille finished in white with ornate gold detailing and a personalised number plate reading “WMC 777”, while Lucy’s casket bore a Mercedes-Benz-inspired design with a plate inscribed “LUI”. Both were adorned with gold handles, white lace detailing and floral accents, while Chivayo’s coffin was draped in the Zimbabwean flag following his declaration as a Provincial Hero.
The Fatal Helicopter Crash
The couple, aged 43 and 35 respectively, died on 30 September 2026 when their Bell 430 helicopter crashed at Kudenga Farm near Marondera as they returned from Chivayo’s rural homestead in Gandami, Chikomba East.
Five Lives Lost
The accident claimed the lives of pilot Captain Kelvin T. Soda, co-pilot Captain Courage Mutavirwa, and Lucy’s aide Senelisiwe Magagula. Police initially reported six fatalities but later revised the death toll to five.
Catastrophic Impact
The impact was catastrophic: the helicopter slid for about 120 metres after catching fire, scattering remains across the fields.
Grim Discoveries
Family spokesperson Herbert Chivayo said the couple would be buried without their heads, as the skulls had not been found. “The last things that we found were Sir Wicknell’s wristwatch and my daughter-in-law’s watch,” he said.
Final Moments & Investigation
Investigators believe bad weather that suddenly descended on the area played a role in the tragedy.
A Forced Detour
The manager of Sky Helicopter, Osca Musakasa, revealed that the group was travelling in two helicopters from Chikomba heading towards Marondera when the weather forced them to change course towards Harare.
Final Radio Communications
Dramatic final radio communications captured Captain Soda’s struggle in the cloud. “I’m in bad weather; I haven’t exited the cloud,” Soda reportedly said over the radio. When the pilot of the trailing helicopter said they were approximately 10 minutes from their destination, Soda appeared uncertain about the location. “Which destination?” he asked. “Marondera,” the second pilot responded. There was no further communication.
Black Box Recovered
The Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe has recovered an intact black box and investigations are ongoing, with authorities stating that several factors are being assessed before any conclusions are drawn.
Defying Tradition for a Spectacular Farewell
Despite the tragic circumstances, the farewell was nothing short of spectacular. A convoy of luxury vehicles, including multiple Rolls-Royce models and a Mercedes, rolled through the streets of Harare on Wednesday, collecting the bodies from Doves Funeral Services. ZBC News footage captured large crowds lining the streets of Harare’s town centre, with spectators pressing close to watch the vehicles pass.
Johane Masowe Exception
The couple, who were members of the Johane Masowe yeChishanu Church, will be buried in coffins despite the denomination’s tradition of burying members without them. Church leader Madzibaba Lawrence Katsiru explained that the remains required forensic DNA testing to identify and separate the victims. “We will follow what the health experts say, but once we receive the bodies, we will bury them in their coffins in a proper way,” Katsiru said.
Side By Side Burial
Chivayo and Lucy will be buried side by side at Glen Forest Cemetery in Harare. The family made clear that they would not be buried in one grave, contrary to claims circulating on social media. “We cannot bury two people in one grave. We have never done that; we have never seen that,” Herbert Chivayo said.
Doves Funeral Services
The spectacular custom caskets were unveiled here on Wednesday to hundreds of mourners dressed in white.
Gletwin Mansion
Following the procession, the bodies were transported to the couple’s Gletwin home to lie in state overnight. However, there will be no public viewing due to the condition of the remains.
Thursday Burial
The couple's burial is scheduled to take place at Glen Forest Cemetery on Thursday 8 October at 2pm. The public is invited. As the spokesperson noted: “Wicknell was a man for everyone, both the poor and the rich.”
The Lives They Lived
Chivayo, who publicly described himself as a centi-millionaire worth more than US$100 million, built a business empire spanning energy, infrastructure, construction, communications and aviation.
His estate was later valued at approximately US$25 million by The Herald Zimbabwe, sparking questions about his self-proclaimed billionaire status.
Intratrek Zimbabwe
His company, Intratrek Zimbabwe, secured major government-linked contracts, including the Gwanda Solar Project initially valued at about US$172 million and the Munyati Power Station refurbishment worth approximately US$163 million.
Political Connections
He cultivated relationships with several prominent political figures across the continent, including President Emmerson Mnangagwa, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, and King Mswati III of Eswatini, who granted him citizenship and a diplomatic passport.
Kenyan President William Ruto mourned his departed friend, saying: “I am deeply saddened by the tragic passing of my friend Wicknell Chivayo, together with his wife Lucy Muteke and the other lives lost... Their sudden departure is a painful loss.”
Lucy "Lulu" Muteke
Lulu rose from Zimbabwe’s fashion and lifestyle circles to become the wife of one of the country’s most prominent businessmen. Before her marriage in 2025, she was known as a model, influencer and personal shopper working in the luxury space, associated with brands like Glow Envy Skincare. (Before Lulu, Chivayo was married to Sonja Madzikanda, with whom he shares two children).
Sona News Analysis
Opulence in the Face of Tragedy
The juxtaposition of a horrific, high-impact helicopter crash with the pristine, meticulously crafted Rolls-Royce and Mercedes-Benz coffins is striking. Even amid a tragedy that left families without the complete remains of their loved ones, the Chivayo farewell maintained its strict adherence to luxury and spectacle.
A Complicated Financial Legacy
As the nation bids farewell, the reported US$25 million estate valuation by state media sits in stark contrast to his self-proclaimed centi-millionaire status. Whether a billionaire or not, Chivayo undoubtedly operated at the highest levels of regional politics and state procurement, leaving behind an empire that will likely be heavily scrutinized in the coming months.
The Final Spectacle
In a life defined by opulence and a death marked by unimaginable tragedy, Wicknell Chivayo and Lucy Muteke left this world exactly as they had lived: together, in style, and impossible to ignore.
LOCAL ZIMBABWE NEWS
Report: Funeral proceedings, accident investigation reports, and family statements.
Published: October 7, 2026
