Prominent Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo, who tragically died in a helicopter crash on September 30, 2026, is being laid to rest today, October 7, 2026, after being granted Provincial Hero status by President Emmerson Mnangagwa. The funeral service commenced at Olwen Crockery House, with Vapostori clergy officiating in adherence to the couple’s faith. His coffin, draped in the national flag, signifies the honor bestowed upon him, a recognition announced by Minister of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training Tino Machakaire, citing Chivayo’s contributions to Zanu-PF, religious institutions, and communities.
Adding a layer of intrigue to the tragic event, a year-old social media post by Zimbabwean personality Susan Mutami has gone viral. Mutami’s post from May 28, 2025, on X (formerly Twitter), eerily predicted Chivayo’s death in a plane crash, sparking widespread debate across social media platforms about whether she possessed prior knowledge or prophetic abilities. Chivayo died alongside his wife, Lucy Muteke, and all other occupants when their helicopter went down in the Marondera Rural area. The couple will be interred at Glen Forest Cemetery today.
Key Players Involved
- Wicknell Chivayo: Deceased Zimbabwean businessman, granted Provincial Hero status.
- Lucy Muteke: Deceased wife of Wicknell Chivayo, who also perished in the helicopter crash.
- President Emmerson Mnangagwa: Granted Provincial Hero status to Wicknell Chivayo.
- Tino Machakaire: Minister of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training, who announced Chivayo’s hero status.
- Susan Mutami: Zimbabwean social media personality whose 2025 post predicting Chivayo’s death has gone viral.
Event Timeline
- September 30, 2026: Wicknell Chivayo and his wife, Lucy Muteke, die in a helicopter crash in Marondera Rural.
- October 1, 2026: Susan Mutami’s 2025 prediction post goes viral.
- October 7, 2026: Funeral service begins for Wicknell Chivayo and Lucy Muteke; burial scheduled for today.
