The lavish funeral arrangements for Zimbabwean billionaire Wicknell Chivayo and his wife, Lucy “Lulu” Muteke, have attracted widespread attention ahead of their burial on Thursday, October 8, 2026.
The couple died alongside four others in a helicopter crash in Marondera on September 30, 2026. Chivayo was widely known for his flamboyant lifestyle, luxury vehicles and high-profile gifts. His final send-off has reflected his well-known passion for expensive cars.
Luxury Car-Themed Caskets
The family unveiled custom display caskets designed to resemble luxury vehicles associated with the couple. Chivayo’s casket features a black grille styled after a Rolls-Royce. It also carries the personalized number plate “WMC 777,” linked to his signature vehicle registration.
Lucy Muteke’s casket, meanwhile, is designed to resemble a Mercedes-Maybach. It features the Mercedes-Benz three-pointed star logo and a personalized plate reading “LUI.”
The unusual designs quickly attracted attention on social media as mourners gathered to pay their final respects.
Gold Casket for Chivayo
Reports indicate that the car-themed casket displayed publicly is not Chivayo’s final resting coffin. His main coffin is reportedly a separate 14-carat gold casket imported from Malaysia.
It has been valued at approximately US$217,000, although the reported price has not been independently confirmed. The extravagant details have further drawn attention to the businessman’s lavish lifestyle.
Final Journey
The couple spent their final night in state at their Gletwin home in Harare, where mourners gathered to pay their respects.
A massive funeral procession then swept through Harare, drawing huge crowds and bringing parts of the central business district to a standstill.
Family members will lay Chivayo and Muteke to rest side by side at Sahwira Glen Forest Memorial Park. Several dignitaries and political figures have also joined the funeral rites, highlighting Chivayo’s extensive business and social connections.
The elaborate funeral has attracted widespread public attention, with thousands following the couple’s final journey across Zimbabwe.
