Tinotenda Hove- Captain Calvin Tafirei Soda, the pilot who died in Wednesday’s helicopter crash in Marondera, will be laid to rest in Marondera on Sunday.

Soda’s funeral proceedings are currently taking place at his family residence in Philadelphia, Harare, where relatives, friends and other mourners have gathered to remember the late aviator.

Those attending the funeral described Captain Soda as a hardworking and devoted family man who brought people together and remained committed to his profession as a pilot.

He was among five people who died when the helicopter crashed in the Marondera area. The tragedy also claimed the lives of businessman Wicknell Chivayo, his wife Lucy Muteke, co-pilot Captain Courage Matavirwa and aide Senelisiwe Magagula.

Meanwhile, mourners have also gathered at Captain Matavirwa’s family home in Highfield, Harare, for his funeral wake.

Captain Soda is survived by his wife, Shamiso, and their three children.