Online Reporter
Zimpapers Reporters
FOR residents of Kudenga, members of the Johanne Masowe eChishanu sect and the Chivayo family, Wednesday evening will forever remain etched in their memories as the moment a life that had touched many suddenly came to an end.
The death of businessman and philanthropist Wicknell Chivayo in a helicopter crash at Kudenga Farm near Marondera has left a trail of grief stretching from his rural home in Chikomba to church congregations, family gatherings and communities that knew him as a benefactor and a man who rarely turned away those seeking help.
Chivayo, 42, died alongside his wife Lucy Muteke, security aide Saneliswe Magagula, pilot Calvin Tafirei Soda and co-pilot Courage Mutavirwa when the helicopter crashed on Wednesday evening.
While investigators continue working to establish the cause of the accident, the focus among many people gathered at the crash site has been on the human cost of the tragedy.
For those who witnessed the moments before the crash, the memories remain vivid and painful.
Mr Killian Chakaingesu, one of the first people to arrive at the scene, recalled hearing what initially seemed like an ordinary helicopter passing overhead.
“I heard the sound of a helicopter as it flew over the area where we were seated. However, the sound was unusual and different from what we normally hear when helicopters pass by,” he said.
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“As we continued chatting, the helicopter, which appeared to be heading towards Harare, suddenly made a sharp turn to the east and then back again. “Shortly afterwards, the engine sound went silent. That is when we realised that something was terribly wrong. We rushed to our workstation and someone told us that a helicopter had crashed on the farm.” Mr Chakaingesu said they immediately went to the scene and found the wreckage.
By the time they got there, some people had already arrived, he said.
“We had never witnessed anything like that in this area. It was heartbreaking to see that people had died in such a manner,” he said.
The impact of the crash was devastating, leaving behind twisted wreckage and a community struggling to comprehend what had happened.
As news of Chivayo’s death spread, members of the Johanne Masowe eChishanu church began gathering, many refusing to believe the reports at first.
Among them was one of the church leaders, Madzibaba Lawrence Katsiru, who said the church had lost one of its pillars.
“We are deeply hurt. We have lost a pillar of the church and his untimely death is devastating. I last spoke to him yesterday morning and we discussed several church matters,” he said.
“Wicknell loved his church. He worked hard to ensure that the church had reliable transport through the procurement of buses.
“He was committed to the church. Whenever he came to Marondera, he would spend the night at church gatherings just like everyone else. Despite his success, he remained connected to the church and to ordinary members.”
Madzibaba Katsiru said accepting the news had been difficult.
“When I first heard the news, I thought it was a joke. I simply could not believe it. It only became real when I came here and saw the scene for myself.
“As of now, we still do not know exactly what caused this tragedy. What I know is that Wicknell had a kind heart. He helped many people. He bought cars for some and assisted others in different ways. He never limited his assistance to members of our church.
“Indeed, it is true that good people sometimes leave us too soon. Wherever he is, I pray that God accepts his spirit. The Lord has done His will and we accept it. May he rest in eternal peace,” said Madzibaba Katsiru.
Another church member, Mr Wellington Ford, described Chivayo as someone always available whenever assistance was needed.
“As a church, we are heartbroken. Baba Wicknell was always ready to help. The church benefited immensely from his generosity.
“We have lost someone who was committed to supporting the work of the church. May his soul rest in peace.”
For the Chivayo family, however, the pain is even more profound.
Family member and spokesperson Mr Herbert Chivayo struggled to conceal his emotions as he spoke about a man many relatives looked up to for guidance and support.
“We believed he would continue uplifting our family and contribute to the transformation of Zimbabwe.
“He was our key person and a breadwinner who was always willing to assist family members. Whether someone needed school fees or help with another challenge, he would do what he could without discrimination.
“He was someone who genuinely cared about the welfare of others,” said Mr Chivayo.
He revealed that the businessman had been looking forward to a major personal milestone.
“He was constructing a mansion at our family farm in Gandami, where we grew up. He had planned to celebrate his birthday in November by officially opening that home.
“He was excited about the project and what it meant to him and the family. Now those plans will never be realised in the way he intended. It is painful for all of us.”
The family is now waiting for the completion of forensic examinations before funeral arrangements can proceed.
The severity of the crash and the fire that followed made conventional identification difficult, requiring specialists to conduct forensic examinations on the recovered remains.
Mr Chivayo said the process had added another layer of anguish for the family.
“We visited the accident scene in Marondera and investigators from the forensic department and the Civil Aviation Authority were already conducting their work.
“We are waiting for the forensic examinations to establish and confirm the identities of the remains recovered from the crash.
“Once that process is complete, we will be able to proceed with funeral arrangements,” he said.
The family is also awaiting the arrival of some of Chivayo’s sisters from outside the country before making final decisions regarding burial arrangements.
Mourners have continued gathering at Number 14 Stonechat Lane in Greystone Park, Harare, where family members, friends, business associates and church members are paying their respects.
As investigators continue their work, many in Marondera remain focused on memories of a man they say left a lasting mark on the lives of those around him.
