Herald Reporters
THOUSANDS of mourners flooded Harare central business district yesterday, desperate to catch a fleeting glimpse of the funeral cortege carrying the larger-than-life businessman and philanthropist, Mr Wicknell Chivayo, and his wife, Lucy Muteke.
The sheer magnitude of the grieving crowd forced the Zimbabwe Republic Police to rapidly seal off major downtown arteries, including Kwame Nkrumah Avenue and Harare Street, to carve a path for the procession and prevent complete gridlock.
Moving with the slow, solemn weight of the occasion, the cortege journeyed from Doves Funeral Services to the couple’s opulent residence in Gletwyn, where their remains lay in state overnight.
Today, the final chapter of their public farewell concludes with their burial at the serene Glen Forest Memorial Park, drawing a definitive curtain on a couple whose footprint on the nation’s social and economic fabric was nothing short of monumental.
Mr Chivayo, who was declared a provincial hero following his death, was a larger-than-life figure whose business activities, philanthropy and public profile set him apart from the rest.
Yesterday’s procession reflected the flamboyance with which he was associated in life.
A convoy of luxury vehicles, including Rolls-Royces and Mercedes-Benz cars, accompanied the hearses from the funeral parlour.
Two white caskets attracted particular attention.
One featured a Rolls-Royce grille, bore registration number WMC 777 and was draped with the Zimbabwe flag, while the other had a Mercedes-Benz front.
The procession moved slowly through the CBD as mourners waved and called out their final farewells, with many using their mobile phones to capture the moment.
Some watched from balconies of surrounding buildings.
Mourners gather around the hearse carrying the body of Mr Wicknell Chivayo at a local funeral parlour in the capital yesterday.– Picture: Charles Muchakagara.
The convoy comprised a group of bikers led by renowned rider Victor “Coach Rambo” Kazembe, whose high-pitched horns and motorcycle manoeuvres added to the spectacle.
Among those who attended the proceedings were fellow businessman and legislator Mr Pedzisai “Scott” Sakupwanya, cleric Prophet Uebert Angel and several politicians.
There was also jostling at the chapel as mourners sought access to the limited space where the official proceedings were held.
Inside, members of Johane Masowe WeChishanu Apostolic sect took charge of the proceedings, led by Madzibaba Lawrence Katsiru and Madzibaba Stanley Kazingizi.
Madzibaba Stanley said the couple would be buried according to the religious traditions of the apostolic sect, in fulfilment of their wishes.
“He was a man who loved his religion, so we will adhere to everything our founder, Baba Johane, said. We will do everything for Madzibaba Wicknell and Madzimai Lulu to make sure they are buried in the way of Baba Johane.
“We also want to thank his parents and family for granting us permission to do what our religion requires,” he said.
However, he said the sect has had to depart from some of its traditions because of the condition of the remains.
“The reason why we had to forego some of our traditions in respect of the coffin is obviously the condition of their bodies.
“If their bodies were still intact, we could have adhered to our culture, but their condition has moved us to use caskets. As you are aware, their bodies were crushed into pieces, and that alone has pushed us to lift some of our cultural traditions,” he said.
Madzibaba Stanley described Chivayo as a close friend who had also taught him the value of hard work.
Family members and friends to Mr Wicknell Chivayo and Lulu Muteke.
“Madzibaba Wicknell also taught me the importance of hard work. All the days we met, we talked about work and religion.
“We even reached a point where we met daily, teaching each other the ways of life. We even had breakfast together at his residence,” he said.
The procession later arrived at the Gletwyn family home amid light rain showers experienced in Harare and surrounding areas.
An atmosphere of grief engulfed the residence as the caskets were taken into the home, with members of the Apostolic sect immediately resuming prayers and other religious rituals.
The media was barred from recording some of the proceedings as the sect maintained control over the funeral rites.
Earlier in the day, several high-profile figures had visited the family homestead to offer condolences and solidarity to the bereaved families.
Among those who visited were Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe, ICT Minister Tatenda Mavetera, ZANU PF members and other prominent figures.
Chivayo died last Wednesday in a helicopter crash near Marondera, Mashonaland East, while returning to Harare from Gandami in Chikomba district, his rural home.
The crash also claimed the lives of two pilots and an aide who were aboard the helicopter.
The other three victims have since been buried.
Today’s funeral programme will begin with the caskets being taken into the flower house, followed by speeches.
The procession will depart for Sahwira Glen Forest Cemetery at noon, with burial scheduled for 2pm.
The couple will be buried side-by-side.
