South Africa- The South African Police Service’s (SAPS) elite Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation team has arrested Joachim Chivayo, the brother of controversial Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo, for gold smuggling.
Joachim (33), along with Ayanda Brian Gungwa (20), a South African national, was apprehended at the Helderwyk Estate in connection with the illicit trade.
Authorities seized approximately R15 million worth of gold during the operation.
The bust has raised fresh questions about the source of Wicknell Chivayo’s seemingly endless wealth, fueling speculation that his brother’s illegal activities may have contributed to his extravagant lifestyle and high-profile generosity.
Wicknell Chivayo, often called “Sir Wicknell,” is well-known for flaunting his wealth on social media and showering Zimbabwean celebrities with lavish gifts.
His latest “gifts” were this Monday’s three brand-new Toyota Fortuners to iconic musicians Leonard Zhakata, Mechanic Manyeruke, and Olivia Charamba.
Chivayo has also been spotted purchasing high-end vehicles and designer clothes, regularly capturing headlines for his ostentatious spending sprees.
His extravagant lifestyle has often drawn scrutiny, with critics questioning the sustainability and sources of his income.
While Chivayo has claimed to derive his fortune from legitimate business ventures, including government contracts and energy projects, these claims have been met with skepticism amid persistent allegations of corruption and fraud.
The arrest of Joachim may provide a new perspective on the origins of some of Wicknell’s wealth.
Gold smuggling is a pervasive problem in Zimbabwe and South Africa, where syndicates exploit porous borders and weak regulatory frameworks to move millions of dollars worth of the precious metal across borders.
In this context, Joachim’s alleged involvement in gold smuggling raises questions about whether some of Wicknell’s financial resources stem from the proceeds of illicit trade adding to Wicknell’s history of controversies.
In the past, he has faced accusations of failing to deliver on high-value government contracts, including an energy deal tied to Zimbabwe’s struggling power sector.
His connections to President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Zanu PF have only deepened public scepticism about his business dealings.