By Sukoluhle Ndlovu
Musician Jah Prayzah has postponed his much-anticipated wedding to Rufaro Mukombe following the death of businessman Wicknell Chivayo and his wife, Lucy, in a helicopter crash in Marondera.
The wedding, which was scheduled for October 3, was expected to feature a performance by legendary musician Thomas Mapfumo, who had only recently returned to Zimbabwe ahead of the ceremony.
Mapfumo arrived in Harare on Tuesday after spending years based in the United States and was expected to perform at Jah Prayzah’s wedding as part of his engagements in Zimbabwe.
However, the couple has postponed the ceremony as they mourn Chivayo and the other victims of the tragedy.
In a statement, Mukombe described Chivayo as more than a friend, saying he was family and a brother who had walked closely with them through different chapters of their lives.
“Wicknell was more than a friend to us. He was family, a brother, and someone who walked closely with us through many chapters of life,” the statement said.
The couple also extended their condolences to the families of everyone who lost loved ones in the crash.
“Pane nguva yekuti zvimwe zvinhu zvese zvinofanira kumbomira,” they said, explaining that the wedding had been postponed out of love, respect and the need to grieve with the bereaved families.
“We will continue with our wedding plans when the time is right,” the couple said.
Chivayo and Lucy were among those killed when a helicopter crashed in the Marondera Rural area at about 5pm on Wednesday.
The cause of the crash has not yet been established, with investigations expected to determine the circumstances surrounding the accident.
