Online Reporter
Raymond Jaravaza and Victor Maposa Zimpapers Reporters
GRIEF and disbelief gripped families in Bulawayo, Marondera and Chiredzi as relatives, friends, colleagues and neighbours gathered to bid farewell to three of the people who died in last week’s helicopter crash at Kudenga Farm in Marondera.
The trio died alongside prominent businessman and philanthropist Wicknell Chivayo, his wife Lucy ‘Lulu’ Mutekelast Wednesday.
Ms Saneliswe Magagula, retired Air Force of Zimbabwe Wing Commander Captain Calvin Tafirei Soda and co-pilot Captain Courage Mutavirwa were remembered not for the circumstances of their deaths, but for the lives they lived, their service to others and the families they supported.
In Bulawayo’s Entumbane suburb, Ms Magagula’s body made a brief stopover at the family home before proceeding to Daluka Village in Lupane, Matabeleland North, where she is due to be buried today.
The 32-year-old, who was an aide to the late businessman and philanthropist Wicknell Chivayo’s wife, Lucy, arrived from Harare accompanied by relatives and friends travelling in three buses and several other vehicles.
Scores of mourners gathered at the family home to pay their last respects before the cortege departed for Lupane.
Ms Magagula, a former Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) member, was remembered as a generous, gentle and hardworking woman who supported her extended family.
Family spokesperson Mr Lamulani Ncube said her sudden death had left relatives devastated.
“We’re at a loss for words, the whole family is devastated. Sanelisiwe was 32 years of age, born in a family of two sons and two daughters. She was the last born . . . she will be laid to rest tomorrow (today),” said Mr Ncube.
Her mother, Ms Duduzile Magagula, said her daughter had been the family’s main provider, paying school fees and meeting the upkeep of nine grandchildren.
“I don’t know where to start or what to say. My world has collapsed. I stay with nine grandchildren, and she is the one who was looking after them. She would pay school fees for them and do everything for them, including their upkeep,” she said.
Ms Magagula had also built a house for her mother at their rural home and was planning to establish a business to support the family.
“As I’m talking to you via the phone, I am sitting on a chair in the bedroom she built for me and she was in the process of building a bottle store for me so that as a family we could survive on it, but all that has been shattered,” she said.
Mrs Ngenzeni Ncube Manyathela, the deceased’s aunt, said the family was struggling to come to terms with her death.
“I still can’t believe that she is gone. Her death has left us devastated as a family, it still feels unreal. What hurts me the most is that she was recently in South Africa, where I stay and didn’t manage to visit me because of work commitments. I’m at a loss for words and we’re in pain as a family,” said Mrs Manyathela.
Another aunt, Mrs Vinnie Khumalo, described Ms Magagula as a loving and gentle person who was a breadwinner to her family.
“Sanelisiwe worked as a bursar before joining the army. During her time in the ZNA, she upgraded her studies. She was very patient and responsible and took care of family,” she said.
“We’ve been robbed of our dear daughter and her passing away is a blow to the whole family,” said Mrs Khumalo.
Meanwhile, hundreds gathered at Kanjiva C Village 34 in Marondera District to witness the burial of Captain Soda (44), who was remembered for his dedicated military service and commitment to his family and community.
The Air Force Commander, Air Marshal Jacob Nzvede, represented by Director General Training Air Commodore Kingsley Zimbudzana, said Captain Soda had served the country with professionalism and distinction.
“Today we gather to mourn his passing, but also to remember and honour a life marked by dedicated service, professionalism and commitment to the Air Force of Zimbabwe and the Zimbabwe Defence Forces,” he said.
Captain Soda joined the Air Force of Zimbabwe on October 13, 2003, and rose through the ranks to Wing Commander in October 2020 before retiring on October 12, 2023.
He completed several military courses, including pilot training, helicopter conversion, flying instructors and joint command and staff courses. He also obtained a degree in Purchasing and Supply and received several service medals in recognition of his contribution to the nation.
Marondera East legislator Cde Vimbayi Mutokonyi said the community was deeply pained by his death.
“We worked well in this constituency with the late Captain Soda and losing him like this is painful. Yes, God had done his will, but it is painful. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family,” he said.
Captain Soda’s brother, Mr Charles Soda, said the family had lost a pillar who valued unity, hard work and honesty.
“The void he has left is too big; no one will be able to fill it. We learnt a lot from him. He was someone who loved unity and peace,” he said.
In Chiredzi, Captain Courage Mutavirwa, the co-pilot who died in the crash, was laid to rest, with relatives and neighbours remembering him as a humble provider who remained committed to his family and community.
His sister, Esiniah Mutavirwa, said he was always willing to help others.
“He was humble and he would always extend a helping hand. In him we had a provider. He wanted to see his family prosper,” she said.
His brother, Coles Mutavirwa, said the family was devastated by the loss.
“We have really lost a young man who was humble. I am grateful to everyone who did their part to see that he has been buried. We are heartbroken,” he said.
His aunt, Ms Beauty Hove, said Captain Mutavirwa had touched many lives.
“Bamunini Courage was a good man. He was a good listener and he wanted good things for everyone. We have lost a man who touched our lives,” she said.
Neighbours in Masimbiti said he remained connected to his community.
“He was a lovely young man who gave back to the community. Whenever he came back he would visit us his neighbours and help whenever he could,” said Wishes Moyo.
Vimbai Mutungo said Captain Mutavirwa encouraged young people to work hard and improve their lives.
“His life was short lived but we will forever remember him for encouraging youths to work hard and become better. He had leadership qualities that cannot be matched,” she said.
Captain Mutavirwa is survived by a wife.
Ms Magagula is survived by a 12-year-old daughter, while Captain Soda leaves behind a wife, Shamiso Faith Soda, and their four children.
For the families, the loss remains raw, but the memories of the three victims extend beyond the tragedy that claimed their lives — to the love, service, generosity and responsibility they showed to those around them.
Bunjiwe Mkwananzi