Wicknell Chivayo’s Funeral Caskets Worth $217k Trends, Gold Coffin Imported From Malaysia

Funeral arrangements for Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo have drawn attention after reports that the caskets prepared for his burial are worth a combined US$217,000.

Photographs shared from the funeral parlour also showed two vehicle-themed caskets. One was designed to resemble a Rolls-Royce, with a grille bearing the registration number WMC 777. The other was styled after a Mercedes-Benz and draped in the Zimbabwean flag.

Wicknell Chivayo: Photos of Zimbabwean tycoon and wife’s graves at Hilltop emerge ahead of burial

Both featured white flowers and candles. Sources close to the family said the gold coffin was brought in specifically for the burial, while the car-themed caskets were separate from it.

The designs echo Chivayo’s public association with luxury vehicles, including Rolls-Royce Cullinans and Mercedes-Maybachs. He had also attracted attention for acquiring and gifting high-end cars.

Funeral industry insiders said car-themed caskets are available in Zimbabwe, with prices varying according to their design, materials and finish.

Wicknell Chivayo and his wife ‘Lulu’ lost their lives in an helicopter crash. Photo: Sir Wicknell. Source: FacebookBurial follows helicopter crashChivayo and his wife, Lucy “Lulu” Muteke, died in a helicopter crash in Marondera on 30 September. The couple is lying in state at their Gletwin residence, with burial scheduled for Thursday at Sahwira Glen Forest Memorial Park.

A video of the couple at a church service has also resurfaced online. In the footage, Chivayo and Muteke appear to raise their hands during an altar call at a House of Treasures Church Conference where Apostle Joshua Selman was ministering.

Wicknell Chivayo’s younger brother Pharo spotted in white Rolls-Royce before vigil

Here is the Facebook post about the late couple's casket:

The elaborate send-off has sparked wide conversation online, with many expressing a mix of disbelief, humour and reflection.

@Griffin Mumba Botha offered a sobering perspective:

Shillah Mwadosho (Editor) Shillah Mwadosho is an accredited journalist and a general news reporter at TUKO.co.ke (joined 2019). She has over six years of experience in journalism across radio, television, and print media. She studied journalism and mass communication at Alphax Institute in Eldoret. Email: shilla.mwadosho@tuko.co.ke.