Identification of Remains Confirms Absence of Heads
The family of Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo has confirmed that he and his wife, Lulu, will be buried without their heads. Family spokesman Herbert Chivayo stated that the heads were not recovered from the helicopter crash that occurred on Wednesday.
Herbert Chivayo addressed reports circulating on social media claiming that the heads had been found, stating unequivocally that such claims are false. "I have seen on social media people saying that the heads were found, but that’s not true. No head was found," he said.
Forensic officials initially suspected that some of the recovered remains from the crash site were parts of heads, but subsequent examination ruled this out. The family spokesman noted that the bodies of the five victims, including two pilots and a security aide, were badly burnt after the helicopter went down in misty conditions at Kudenga Farm in Marondera.
"The bodies were burnt until the fire died on its own, so you can imagine what the status is like," Herbert Chivayo said. "They were beyond recognition."
Burial Arrangements for Wicknell and Lulu Chivayo
Herbert Chivayo announced that the couple will be buried side-by-side at Glen Forest Cemetery in Harare on Thursday, October 8, 2026. The burial will proceed without the heads of either individual.
Circumstances of the Crash and Other Victims
Wicknell Chivayo was returning from his rural home in Chivhu with a planned stop in Marondera when the helicopter crashed. A final message from the pilot indicated that the aircraft was struggling to exit clouds at the time of the incident.
Burial arrangements for the other victims have also been confirmed. Co-pilot Courage Mutavirwa was buried on Sunday in Chiredzi, and pilot Calvin Soda was buried on Sunday in Marondera. Security officer Senelisiwe Magagula is due to be buried in Lupane on Monday, October 5, 2026.