By Showbiz Reporter– Controversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo has offered a staggering $100,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of robbers who raided his in-laws’ residence in Marondera in the early hours of Tuesday, March 18, 2025, and made off with $75,000 in cash and valuables.

Chivayo, known for his ostentatious displays of wealth and deep political ties, had recently paid lobola for his wife, Lulu Muteke, in a lavish ceremony that drew Zimbabwe’s elite, including prominent socialites, business tycoons, and senior government officials.

The armed robbery, which police say involved a gang of 20 criminals, took place at the Alpha and Omega Farm, a property linked to Chivayo’s in-laws. 

The robbers reportedly overpowered security before making off with a substantial sum of money, sparking speculation that the attack may have been an inside job, given the high-profile nature of the transactions that had taken place at the farm.

Chivayo’s Statement on the Robbery

In response to the incident, Chivayo took to social media to condemn the robbery and announce a reward for any information that could lead to the culprits’ arrest:

“It is with UTMOST REGRET that I share a very UNFORTUNATE incident that occurred at my in-laws’ residence in Marondera during the early hours of this morning, 18th March 2025. According to information confirmed by the Zimbabwe Republic Police, a case of armed robbery is under investigation involving 20 suspects who UNLAWFULLY gained access to my in-law’s residence at Alpha and Omega Farm and stole a significant sum of MONEY and various valuable items. I STRONGLY CONDEMN such cowardly criminal conduct and kindly request the public to cooperate with the police by providing any information that could lead to the identification and arrest of these offenders.”

“To support this PUBLIC effort, I am offering a reward of USD 100,000 in hard CASH to anyone who will provide CREDIBLE information leading to the positive IDENTIFICATION of ANY or ALL of these SHAMELESS robbers, their residential locations, or other significant particulars and ultimately their ARREST. This reward is offered on a NO QUESTIONS ASKED basis, provided any of the culprits are identified and apprehended.”

He urged anyone with information to contact the CID Homicide, Harare, or other listed police officials.

A Lobola Fit for Royalty

The robbery comes just weeks after Chivayo’s headline-grabbing lobola payment, which was widely regarded as one of the most extravagant in Zimbabwe’s history.

Sources close to the family claim that Chivayo paid well over $500,000 in cash, alongside luxury vehicles, cattle, and an assortment of high-end gifts.

Videos from the event showed Chivayo in his signature designer outfits, flanked by an entourage of security personnel and business associates, as he splashed out on his new in-laws in typical flamboyant style.

The event attracted top ZANU PF officials, further fueling speculation about Chivayo’s close ties to the ruling party.

A Life of Extravagance and Controversy

This incident is just the latest in a long list of headline-making moments for Chivayo, who has built a reputation as Zimbabwe’s most flashy and polarizing businessman.

A self-proclaimed “money magnet,” Chivayo has previously:

• Gifted luxury cars to ministers and government officials
• Showcased millions in cash on social media
• Made multi-million-dollar donations to political causes
• Thrown extravagant parties with celebrities and politicians
• Been linked to questionable government tenders, including the infamous ZESA power deal, where he was accused of pocketing millions without delivering on the contract

Despite his larger-than-life persona, Chivayo has faced legal troubles, including fraud allegations and accusations of benefiting from government corruption. His close ties to ZANU PF heavyweights, including President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, have made him an influential yet divisive figure.

Did Insiders Leak Information About the Money?

The daring robbery has raised serious questions about how the criminals knew about the large sums of money at the farm. Given the scale of Chivayo’s lobola payments and his widely publicized spending spree, some analysts suggest the robbery may have been an inside job, with someone tipping off the gang about the cash stored at the residence.

While police investigations are ongoing, Chivayo’s $100,000 reward is expected to intensify the search for the robbers.