All is now set for the collection of the remains of prominent businessman and philanthropist Wicknell Chivayo and his wife, Lucy, from Doves Funeral Services in central Harare.
Mourners, relatives, friends, acquaintances and members of the Johane Masowe WeChishanu Apostolic sect have gathered at the funeral parlour to pay their respects as preparations for the solemn procession gets underway.
Police have closed surrounding roads, including Union Avenue, to facilitate the movement of the hearses and manage the large crowds.
The Chivayo and Muteke families have already departed Gletwyn for Doves.
Stay tuned.
Scores gather to bid farewell to the Chivayos
A bumper crowd has gathered at the venue, with many eager to witness the departure of the remains of Chivayo, a larger-than-life figure whose philanthropic activities and high-profile lifestyle made him a well-known personality in Zimbabwe, as well his wife Lucy Muteke.
Sombre mood at Doves
The mood inside the chapel is sombre and emotional as mourners gather to pay their last respects to businessman and philanthropist Wicknell Chivayo and his wife, Lucy.
Family members, friends, associates and members of the Johane Masowe WeChishanu Apostolic sect are maintaining a solemn atmosphere, with prayers and quiet reflections dominating the chapel as mourners await the collection of the remains.
Outside, the large crowd continues to swell, underscoring the widespread interest in the final journey of the couple.
Funeral service now underway
The funeral service of businessman Wicknell Chivayo and his wife, Lucy Muteke is now underway at Olwen Crockery House.
The ceremony is being led by Vapostori, who are conducting the funeral rites in accordance with their church doctrine.
The chapel is filled with friends and family, with several high-profile people also in attendance.
Outside the chapel, several activities are taking place, with some mourners singing, while others are throwing money onto the streets.
Jesters are also entertaining mourners by mimicking aspects of Chivayo’s lifestyle.
Vapostori lead prayers for Wicknell and wife Lucy
The funeral service of businessman Wicknell Chivayo and his wife, Lucy Muteke, has so far been marked by song and prayer as Vapostori conduct prayers for the couple.
An emotional Madzibaba Lawrence Katsiru is leading the proceedings, with mourners joining in prayer and song as the funeral service continues.
Madzibaba Katsiru thanked mourners for turning up in their numbers to pay their respects to the couple.
