Storm over Chivayo’s lavish police ‘gift’

CONTROVERSIAL businessman Wicknell Chivayo’s proposed multi-million-dollar donation to the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has triggered an ethics storm, with analysts and politicians warning that private largesse could undermine the force’s independence, credibility and public trust.

Chivayo offered the package after 18 armed robbers linked to a raid on his in-laws’ farm in Marondera were convicted and sentenced to a combined 950 years in prison. He said the donation was intended to reward police officers involved in the investigation.

But the proposed gift has raised questions about the growing role of wealthy individuals in funding State institutions, particularly law enforcement agencies and the potential influence such donations could create.

Chivayo said he formally sought official approval for the package, which includes new 2026 Toyota Fortuners, bulletproof vehicles, US$250 000 worth of specialised tactical equipment and iPhones for Harare Central CID Homicide officers, investigators and commanders involved in the case.

Critics argue that accepting such a substantial gift from a businessman with a criminal record and controversial business history could create perceptions of undue influence and erode public confidence in the police.

Australia-based political analyst Reason Wafawarova described the proposed donation as a blatant disregard for institutional norms.

“It’s not proper and it’s a blatant disregard of norms and rules in a democratic country. It’s a political statement that police are on our side,” Wafawarova said.

He alleged that such practices have been normalised under President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration, undermining the integrity of the police force.

Political analyst Ruben Mbofana said the donation raised serious ethical and institutional concerns.

“A person who has been convicted of a crime donating substantial resources to the police, the very institution responsible for enforcing the law, creates an obvious conflict of perception and risks undermining public confidence in the police,” he said.

Mbofana said the issue was not whether someone with a criminal record could make charitable donations, but the nature of the beneficiary and the influence that could accompany a substantial contribution.

“It can create the perception that money and connections provide privileged access or favourable treatment,” he said.

“Ultimately, even where the donor’s intentions are genuinely philanthropic, institutions such as the police must be extremely careful to protect their independence, integrity and public credibility.”

Political analyst Rejoice Ngwenya said the proposed donation was not necessarily problematic, but its motivation could damage the police’s image.

“There is no problem with making a donation; the problem only comes with the intention of the donation, which might tarnish the image of the police,” he said.

Chivayo’s business history fuelled scrutiny.

In 2004, he was convicted of theft by false pretenses involving about R837 000 arising from a foreign currency transaction in which he received money but failed to complete his side of the exchange. He was sentenced to three years in prison and served his term at Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison.

The long-stalled Gwanda solar project remains another source of controversy surrounding his business record.

In 2015, the Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC) awarded his company, Intratrek Zimbabwe, a contract to build a 100-megawatt solar plant in Gwanda valued at about US$172 million.

The project was due for completion in 2019, but little tangible progress has been made. ZPC released about US$5 million for preliminary work before terminating the contract over alleged non-performance.

Intratrek challenged the termination and, in December 2023, the Supreme Court upheld a High Court ruling that the engineering, procurement and construction contract remained binding, requiring ZPC either to allow the project to proceed or face damages.

Chivayo has also faced scrutiny over leaked audio recordings linking him to a US$100 million contract for the supply of election materials to the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission.

The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission said in December 2025 that its investigation found no evidence directly linking Chivayo to the transaction after initially indicating that he would be charged.

Politician Temba Mliswa said donations of that nature could damage the reputation of State institutions and fuel public scepticism about official decisions.

“People begin to doubt whether judgments are based on merit and the weight of evidence or the individuals involved, most of whom abuse the name of the President,” Mliswa posted on X.

“I am not opposed to giving or donating. However, such acts must be conducted in a manner that safeguards the integrity of the institution involved. Parliament must fulfil its oversight responsibility and prevent inappropriate practices from taking root.”

This is not Chivayo’s first controversial donation to a State institution.

In April, he offered US$3,6 million to Parliament, to be shared equally among the 360 lawmakers.

He withdrew the offer following a public outcry that the donation can compromise Parliament’s independence as it embarked on the constitutional amendment process.

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