The funeral service for Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo and his wife Lucy Muteke opened on Wednesday, 7 October at Olwen Crockery House, with clergy from the Vapostori faith leading the rites.

Images released by broadcaster ZTN Prime showed the couple’s coffins for the first time, highlighting that Chivayo’s casket was draped in the national flag after President Emmerson Mnangagwa granted him Provincial Hero status.

The flag‑draped coffin reflects a decision announced by Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training Minister Tino Machakaire, who said the honour recognised Chivayo’s contributions to the ruling ZANU‑PF party, churches and community projects.

Family spokesperson Herbert Chivayo confirmed that both bodies will be interred at Glen Forest on Thursday, 8 October, following the service.

The couple were among five victims of a helicopter crash at Kudenga Farm in Mashonaland East on 30 September, which also claimed the lives of pilot Calvin Tafirei Soda, co‑pilot Courage Mutavirwa and security aide Saneliswe Magagula; there were no survivors.

Although members of the Johane Masowe yeChishanu faith are traditionally buried without coffins, church leader Madzibaba Lawrence Katsiru confirmed that Chivayo and Muteke would be exceptions, allowing the caskets to be used during the wake at their Harare home.