Wicknell Chivayo is seeking approval to donate bulletproof vehicles, tactical equipment and iPhones to the police officers behind a major armed-robbery investigation. The post Chivayo offers CID cops 10 bulletproof Fortuners, US$250k gear and iPhones appeared first on Nehanda Radio .
Controversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo has offered to donate 10 bulletproof Toyota Fortuners, US$250,000 worth of tactical equipment and an iPhone 17 Pro Max to every officer in Harare’s CID Homicide division.
The proposed multimillion-dollar donation follows the conviction of 18 armed robbers who raided Chivayo’s in-laws at Alpha and Omega Farm in Marondera in March 2025.
Chivayo said he had formally sought official approval before making the donation, which he described as a reward for the police officers whose investigation brought the gang to justice.
In a statement posted on X and Facebook, Chivayo praised CID Homicide’s response team, investigating officers and commanders for their handling of the case.
“Their response was swift, their investigations were thorough, and their commitment to following every lead until the perpetrators were brought before the courts was truly commendable,” he said.
Chivayo said he had written to what he called “the Principal” (most likely President Emmerson Mnangagwa), seeking permission to donate 10 bulletproof, brand-new 2026 Toyota Fortuners or equivalent vehicles selected by the police.
He also offered US$250,000 worth of specialised tactical and protective equipment intended to improve the safety of officers during operations.
Every officer attached to the CID Homicide department would receive an iPhone 17 Pro Max regardless of whether they participated directly in the investigation, he added.
The donation remains conditional upon approval through Commissioner-General of Police Stephen Mutamba.
“This proposed donation and gesture, if approved, is simply my small way of saying thank you for a job well done,” Chivayo said.
While some reports said the gang received a combined 950 years in prison, the state-owned Herald reported a combined total of 1,000 years.
However, the individual effective sentences reported by the newspaper add up to 1,179 years: nine defendants received 76 years each, while nine others were sentenced to 55 years apiece. Parts of the sentences imposed for separate counts will run concurrently.
Harare regional magistrate Masaiona Shotgame sentenced the men after convicting them following a full trial in which they had pleaded not guilty.
Kelvin Murehwa, Peter Maramba Vhiya, Takudzwa Maisvoreva, Garikayi Shangwa, Temptations Gerald Dinhidza, Arnold Tafirei, Tawanda Mushayatu, Mike Mhaka and Shingirai Bhaureni each received effective 76-year sentences.
Obvious Mutaka, Kennedy Kuzvinzwa, Adonia Dhliwayo, Charles Chokera, Arnold M Mutinhidza, Stephen M Chakanetsa, Dave Saurombe, Taurai Mushawemhuka and Felix Marongedze were each sentenced to an effective 55 years.
The court heard that the gang arrived at Alpha and Omega Farm at approximately 1am on March 18, 2025, armed with three rifles, two pistols, machetes, iron bars and bolt cutters.
Businessman Wicknell Chivayo on the roora day with wife to be Lucy “Lulu” Muteke and her father (Pictures via Social Media)
Security guards Petros Mabunhu and Medic Zhakata were assaulted with iron bars before one of them was forced to lead the robbers to the bedrooms.
Gerald Muteke surrendered US$18,000, a loaded pistol and a Samsung S23 mobile phone.
The gang then confronted Vimbai Muteke, who handed over US$1,100, a safe key and a Samsung Galaxy A35. She was forced to open the main safe, from which the robbers took a further US$55,000.
The attackers also targeted Cossam Siminya, stealing US$10,700, television sets, mobile phones, a power bank, groceries and other property.
Tuckshop worker Bosco Chidukudze was severely assaulted before the gang stole his cellphone.
Prosecutor Lancelot Mutsokoti represented the State.
Chivayo said the outcome showed that law-enforcement officers should receive public recognition when investigations are handled successfully.
“Too often we are quick to criticise our law-enforcement agencies when things go wrong, but equally, when officers perform exceptionally well, we must give credit where it’s due,” he said.
