Forensic experts have still not formally identified the bodies of businessman Wicknell Chivayo, his wife Lucy Muteke, and three other victims of the Marondera helicopter crash, with the severity of the impact making identification extremely difficult.
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Read E-PaperFamily spokesperson Herbert Chivayo confirmed the agonizing delay, revealing that the condition of the remains has stalled the formal identification process.
“Forensic experts are yet to formally identify the bodies of businessman Wicknell Chivayo, his wife Lucy Muteke and three other victims, as the severity of the crash has made identification difficult,” he said.
“We are now waiting for the forensics people to conclude because indications are that the body parts are mixed,” said Herbert Chivayo.
He said information they have so far indicates that only a female body has been identified.
The revelation adds a grim layer to the tragedy, which struck yesterday around 1700 hours in Marondera Rural. Alongside Chivayo and his wife, two pilots and a security aide perished in the crash.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ) has said preliminary findings show fuel spilled on impact, triggering a fire that burned grass at the crash site — but the cause of the crash remains unascertained.
Mr Chivayo hinted that yesterday’s weather patterns might have caused the crash.
“There was communication from the other helicopter that vision was blurred and ordered them to be cautious,” he said.
Families now face an anxious wait as forensic teams work to formally confirm identities before funerals can proceed.
Mr Chivayo said once the body identification process is done, they will announce the burial arrangements.
“We are also waiting to hear Government’s position in relation to burial arrangements,” he said. “Once we have been given clearance he will rest at our rural home in Gandami.”
