By Staff Reporter
THE late Zimbabwean businessman Sir Wicknell Chivayo’s young children, John Chenjera and Atarah Minana, joined grieving mourners at the Gletwin, Harare family mansion after first receiving emotional counselling to help them cope with their devastating loss.
Accompanied by their mother and Chivayo’s ex-wife, Sonja Madzikanda, the children’s arrival was marked by visible distress. Their raw grief moved mourners, with witnesses recounting the children crying out for their father as dignitaries, including President Emmerson Mnangagwa, offered condolences.
Chivayo, his wife, two pilots, and a security aide died tragically in a helicopter crash near Marondera, shocking the nation and sparking an outpouring of sympathy.
Despite a recent separation from Chivayo, Sonja made an emotional appearance at the mansion, supported by her mother, Tabitha Madzikanda, to mourn with the family.
Hebert Chivayo, the late businessman’s uncle and family spokesperson, described the horrific aftermath of the crash, explaining that the remains were so badly burned and dismembered that viewing was impossible. Forensic and DNA identification are now underway to confirm the victims’ identities.
Amid the mourning, Hebert shared Chivayo’s final wish: that his children be the primary heirs to his estate.
“We, the Chivayos, are not greedy to go after a late family member’s hard-earned wealth. These kids are the rightful beneficiaries of their father’s estate and they will get everything,” he vowed, assuring the public that Chivayo’s legacy will be preserved for his children.
