FINAL FLIGHT: Marondera Helicopter Crash Pilot Captain Calvin Soda to Be Laid to Rest on Sunday

Reported By: National News & Aviation Desk | Harare & Marondera
Burial Date: Sunday, 4 October 2026 | Marondera

HARARE — Captain Calvin Tafirei Soda, the seasoned aviator at the controls of the helicopter that tragically crashed in Marondera on Wednesday afternoon, will be laid to rest in Marondera on Sunday, his family has confirmed.

Aviation community and mourners gather to remember Captain Calvin Soda

HONOURING A CONSUMMATE AVIATOR: Friends, relatives, and colleagues from across Zimbabwe's aviation fraternity have gathered at the Soda family residence in Philadelphia, Harare, celebrating a dedicated father, mentor, and pilot.

Sunday Burial Day (Marondera)

Philadelphia Harare Funeral Wake

3 Children Survived by Wife Shamiso

5 Casualties Total Lost in Disaster

The crash, which sent shockwaves through the nation on Wednesday, 30 September, claimed the lives of prominent businessman Wicknell Chivayo, his wife Lucy Muteke, co-pilot Captain Courage Matavirwa, executive aide Senelisiwe Magagula, and Captain Soda.

A Family in Grief: Funeral Wake in Philadelphia

Mourners continue to pour into the family home in Philadelphia, Harare, to offer condolences to Captain Soda's widow, Shamiso, and their three young children.

The Funeral Wake: Philadelphia, Harare Relatives, neighbours, close companions, and colleagues from across commercial and private aviation circles have maintained an emotional vigil at the family home, offering support to his grief-stricken wife, Shamiso.

Final Resting Place: Marondera Family representatives confirmed that body-viewing and church rites will proceed on Saturday and Sunday morning before the cortege departs for Marondera, where Captain Soda will be laid to rest alongside family members.

Survived by Wife and Three Children Captain Soda is survived by his wife, Shamiso Soda, and their three children. Family elders praised Shamiso’s strength during this devastating period as tributes celebrate a devoted father who placed his home above all else.

“A Dedicated Aviator and a Unifier”: Tributes Pour In

Colleagues and relatives remember Captain Calvin Tafirei Soda as a consummate professional with thousands of flight hours and an unshakable commitment to air safety.

Mourners gathered in Philadelphia painted a moving picture of an accomplished gentleman whose quiet humility defied the glamour often associated with private VIP aviation.

• A Unifier of Families: Relatives described him as the glue of his extended family, always stepping in to resolve disputes, fund education for younger kin, and open his home to all.

• A Master of the Cockpit: Fellow pilots commended his technical discipline, calm temperament under pressure, and meticulous pre-flight diligence throughout his long career.

• A Humble Family Anchor: Despite flying billionaires, political leaders, and foreign dignitaries, peers noted that Captain Soda returned home as an ordinary, loving father whose proudest title was simply "Dad."

Double Tragedy in the Skies: Remembering Captain Courage Matavirwa

As Philadelphia mourns Captain Soda, another funeral wake is concurrently underway in Highfield, Harare, for co-pilot Captain Courage Matavirwa.

Highfield Wake for Co-Pilot Captain Courage Matavirwa Hundreds of mourners, aviation trainees, and community members have gathered at the Matavirwa family home in Highfield, paying their final respects to the young, promising pilot whose life was cut short in the same tragedy.

The Victims of the Marondera Crash The helicopter went down in rural Marondera on Wednesday afternoon, claiming five lives:
1. Captain Calvin Tafirei Soda (Pilot-in-Command)
2. Captain Courage Matavirwa (Co-Pilot)
3. Wicknell Chivayo (Businessman & Philanthropist)
4. Lucy Muteke (Wife to Wicknell Chivayo)
5. Senelisiwe Magagula (Executive Aide)

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Rest in Peace, Captain Calvin Tafirei Soda

As Zimbabwe’s civil aviation authorities continue their technical investigations into the causes of the Marondera air disaster, the nation stands united in sorrow with the Soda, Matavirwa, Chivayo, Muteke, and Magagula families.

Go well, Captain. Clear skies and tailwinds on your final ascent.

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