The family of late Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo has announced that mourners will not be allowed to view his body or that of his wife, Lucy Muteke, during their funeral ceremonies.

The announcement was made as relatives, friends and associates gathered to mourn the couple following their deaths in a helicopter crash in Zimbabwe. According to the family, the decision was influenced by the condition of the remains after the fatal accident.

Family spokesperson Herbert Chivayo communicated the decision to mourners on Friday night, October 2, as preparations for the couple's final send-off continued.

“The family has decided that there will be no viewing of the bodies,” Herbert said, according to reports.

The decision applies to both Chivayo and his wife, who died in the helicopter crash on September 30. The accident occurred in the Marondera area of Zimbabwe and claimed the lives of all six people aboard the helicopter, according to reports from international news organisations.

Family Announces No Body Viewing

Body viewing is traditionally an important part of funeral ceremonies in many communities, allowing relatives, friends and other mourners to see the deceased before burial. In Chivayo's case, however, the family has decided against the practice because of the condition of the remains following the crash.

Reports indicate that the accident caused severe damage and a fire at the crash site. The condition of the bodies made identification and forensic examination particularly difficult, prompting authorities and forensic experts to undertake further procedures before the remains could be released for burial.

The family has therefore chosen to proceed with the funeral without a traditional viewing ceremony.

The announcement comes as relatives continue to gather and make arrangements for the couple's final farewell.

Couple Died in Helicopter Crash

Chivayo and his wife Lucy Muteke were among six people who died when their helicopter crashed in the Marondera area on September 30.

Zimbabwean authorities have been investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident. The Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe has said the cause of the crash has not yet been established.

Initial reports indicated that fuel spilled from the helicopter following the impact and that a fire subsequently broke out. Officials have cautioned that the fire after the crash does not, by itself, establish what caused the helicopter to go down.

The crash claimed the lives of the businessman, his wife, an aide and two pilots, with reports also indicating that six people were aboard the aircraft.

Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa confirmed Chivayo's death following the crash, sparking widespread reactions from political, business and social circles.

Funeral Preparations Continue

While the decision on body viewing has been made, other aspects of the funeral arrangements have continued to be finalised.

The family has been waiting for forensic processes to be completed before confirming all details surrounding the burial.

Earlier reports indicated that the remains were transferred to Doves Funeral Services while forensic experts worked to establish the identities of the victims and complete the required examinations.

Family members have also been arriving in Zimbabwe to take part in the mourning process and discussions concerning the final send-off.

The family had previously indicated that some of Chivayo's sisters were outside Zimbabwe and were expected to return before important decisions regarding the burial could be finalised.

Several possible burial locations have reportedly been considered, although the family had not immediately announced a final decision.

Lucy Muteke to Be Buried Alongside Her Husband

The family has also indicated that Chivayo and his wife are expected to be buried at the same cemetery.

According to reports, Lucy Muteke's relatives gave their approval for her to be laid to rest alongside her husband. However, the final arrangements remained subject to the completion of forensic procedures and family consultations.

The decision to have the couple buried together reflects the family's efforts to coordinate the funeral arrangements following their simultaneous deaths.

For mourners, the absence of a body-viewing ceremony means that the funeral will instead focus on prayers, tributes, remembrance and other traditional and religious rites.

Mourners Gather to Pay Their Respects

Despite the absence of body viewing, relatives, friends, church members and associates have continued gathering to honour the couple.

Mourning activities have been taking place as the family comes to terms with the sudden loss and prepares for the final farewell.

Chivayo was a well-known Zimbabwean businessman whose public profile extended beyond the country's business circles. His death generated reactions across Zimbabwe and other parts of Africa.

International media reported on his connections with prominent political and business figures, while many people who knew him personally also shared messages of condolence following the crash.

His wife, Lucy Muteke, also died in the same accident, making the tragedy particularly significant for their family and close associates.

Investigations Into Crash Continue

As funeral preparations move forward, investigations into the helicopter crash are continuing.

Authorities have not yet established the definitive cause of the accident. Aviation officials are expected to examine available evidence as part of the investigation.

The crash site was subjected to forensic and aviation examinations following the accident. The condition of the remains also required detailed identification procedures before the families could proceed with burial arrangements.

The investigation is separate from the funeral arrangements, meaning the family is proceeding with mourning and burial preparations while authorities continue their work to determine what happened.

A Private and Difficult Farewell

The decision not to allow body viewing is expected to make the funeral different from a conventional ceremony.

For many families, seeing a loved one's body provides an opportunity for final closure. In this case, the family has chosen to protect mourners from the difficult circumstances surrounding the condition of the remains.

Instead, attention will be directed toward remembering Chivayo and Lucy through prayers, tributes and messages from those who knew them.

The family is expected to provide further information regarding the burial date, venue and other arrangements once consultations and forensic procedures are complete.

For now, mourners continue to gather as the family prepares to lay the couple to rest.

The announcement that there will be no viewing of the bodies underscores the devastating nature of the helicopter crash and the difficult circumstances faced by the families of those who died.

As investigations continue and funeral arrangements take shape, relatives and friends are expected to maintain their focus on mourning and honouring the lives of Wicknell Chivayo and Lucy Muteke.