By Crime and Courts Reporter- Two suspected robbers who allegedly stole US$74,000 in lobola money from Zanu PF apologists and controversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo’s in-laws at their Marondera farm Tuesday appeared in court.
Peter Maramba Vhiya (43) and Takudzwa Maisvoreva (24), both from Chitungwiza, were arraigned before Regional Magistrate Marehwanazvo Gofa, facing two counts of robbery.
They were advised that only the High Court could grant them bail and were remanded in custody until April 10, pending the inclusion of a third suspect in their case.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority’s (NPA) Lancelot Mutsokoti, the robbery took place on March 18 at around 1 AM when the suspects, accompanied by unidentified accomplices, stormed Alfa and Omega Farm in Marondera.
They were armed with three rifles, two pistols, machetes, iron bars, and bolt cutters.
Upon arrival, the gang overpowered security guard Petros Mabunhu, assaulting him with iron bars and repeatedly kicking him before tying his hands and legs with cable ties.
They forced him into the farmyard, where they subdued two other guards, Zex Mutasa Rusike and Medic Zhakata, disarming Rusike of a shotgun.
The robbers then broke into the farmhouse, using bolt cutters to cut through the burglar screen and kitchen door.
Inside, they confronted Gerald Muteke in his bedroom, forcing him to surrender US$18,000, a loaded Sarsilmaz pistol, and two Samsung smartphones.
They proceeded to Vimbai Muteke’s room, where they demanded cash and access to the safe. She handed over US$1,100, a Samsung Galaxy A35, and the safe key.
The robbers ransacked the safe in the master bedroom, making off with an additional US$55,000 in cash.
As the heist unfolded, Elphas Maruta, a farm worker armed with a Lee-Enfield .303 rifle, was alerted and attempted to intervene.
A brief gunfight ensued, with Maruta firing two shots while the robbers retaliated with three rounds before fleeing the scene with US$74,600 in cash and valuables.
Police later managed to recover stolen items worth US$3,800.
The robbery has once again drawn attention to Wicknell Chivayo, a flamboyant businessman known for his extravagant spending habits, lucrative but controversial government contracts, and close ties to President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Chivayo, a self-styled millionaire, has long been a figure of both admiration and controversy.
He frequently flaunts his immense wealth on social media, posting images of luxury cars, designer clothes, and lavish holidays.
His recent publicized wedding and payment of an exorbitant lobola for his wife, which reportedly amounted to several hundred thousand dollars, only solidified his reputation as one of Zimbabwe’s most extravagant personalities.
However, beyond his lavish spending, Chivayo has been dogged by allegations of corruption and dubious business dealings.
He was previously embroiled in the Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC) Gwanda Solar Project scandal, where he secured a multi-million-dollar tender despite failing to deliver on contractual obligations.
Critics argue that his success is largely due to his political connections, particularly his close relationship with Mnangagwa and the ruling ZANU-PF elite.
While he portrays himself as a successful entrepreneur, many Zimbabweans see him as a symbol of the state’s deep-rooted corruption, where politically connected individuals benefit from government contracts without accountability.