Wicknell Chivayo’s final ride: tycoon laid to rest in jaw-dropping rolls-royce casket as wife gets

Zimbabwean businessman and philanthropist Wicknell Chivayo is being laid to rest in a custom-designed casket inspired by a Rolls-Royce, as mourners gather in Harare to bid farewell to the flamboyant businessman following his death in a helicopter crash.Chivayo and his wife, Lucy “Lulu” Muteke, died on September 30 when the helicopter they were travelling in crashed near Marondera, Zimbabwe. The accident claimed the lives of all those on board, bringing a sudden end to the couple’s highly publicised lives.

Their final send-off has attracted significant attention, with the couple’s luxury-themed caskets becoming one of the most discussed aspects of the funeral arrangements. Chivayo’s white casket features a prominent Rolls-Royce-style grille, gold detailing and the personalised registration marking “WMC 777”, reflecting his well-known passion for luxury vehicles.

Lulu has been given a similarly elaborate farewell. Her casket features a Mercedes-Benz-inspired design, including the German carmaker’s distinctive styling and luxury detailing. The two caskets were displayed during funeral proceedings before being taken to the family home in Gletwyn, where mourners gathered ahead of the burial.

The funeral procession through Harare reportedly attracted large crowds, with Rolls-Royce and Mercedes-Benz vehicles forming part of the convoy. The spectacle reflected Chivayo’s public image, as he was widely known for displaying expensive cars, designer clothing and a lavish lifestyle on social media.

The use of caskets also represents a departure from the usual burial practice of the Johane Masowe yeChishanu church, whose members are generally buried without coffins. Church leader Madzibaba Lawrence Katsiru said the exceptional circumstances surrounding the couple’s deaths and the condition of their remains necessitated the use of coffins.

Chivayo and Lulu are being laid to rest at Glen Forest Memorial Park in Harare, with family, friends, church members, political figures and members of the public gathering for the final farewell.

The elaborate ceremony has become a major talking point across Zimbabwe, with many reflecting on Chivayo’s extraordinary lifestyle and public profile as the businessman receives his final send-off.

Source:https://x.com/AdvoBarryRoux/status/2108059574620041598

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