Police in Zimbabwe have arrested three people in connection with the grand theft of US$75,000 (more than R1.4 million) from the in-laws of Zimbabwean mogul Wicknell Chivayo.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has launched an extensive manhunt for the outstanding suspects, following an armed robbery which happened in the city of Marondera, around 70 kilometres east of Harare.
The stolen money was part of proceeds from a lavish traditional lobola ceremony where Chivayo reportedly paid around US$300,000 (more than R5 million).
The extravagant businessman and entrepreneur, who is close to President Emmerson Mnangagwa, watered down the widespread media reports about the figures spent on his lobola for his wife Lucy "Lulu" Muteke.
Last week, State media in Zimbabwe reported that three suspects from Harare had been arrested by ZRP detectives.
Media reports stated that a police constable was one of the wanted suspects who have since vanished after the heist.
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Dubbed Zimbabwe’s most expensive lobola ceremony, the flamboyant Chivayo brought the social scene in the country to a standstill earlier this month with the ostentatious lobola party which was spiced with performance from the A-list of Zimbabwe’s music scene including mega stars Jah Prayzah, Killer T and Enzo Ishall.
Not to be outdone, Zimbabwe’s national broadcaster, the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) was providing updates from the lobola ceremony - sparking controversy on the role of the country's State-owned broadcaster.
According to media reports, the big-spending Chivayo brought groceries to his in-laws in a big truck which was loaded with selected items according to the African culture.
The cavalry of white vehicles which descended on the Muteke’s premises included top of the range Mercedes Benz, BMWs and other German sedans accompanying the businessmen who owns a fleet of imported Rolls Royce cars.
He also boasts of private jet which he claims set him back US$12 million.
Days before the lobola ceremony, Chivayo had shared pictures on social media showing how he had introduced his girlfriend Lulu to Mnangagwa at the State House in Harare.
On the latest pictures with Mnangagwa and Lulu, Chivayo wrote: “On my way to church, I had the greatest pleasure and distinct honour of introducing my soon-to-be wife to His Excellency, the President. The highlight of it all is that my WIFE hails from the esteemed shumba (lion) clan saka ndatove mukwasha (so I am now a son-in-law) to the president himself …”
According to a statement by the ZRP, a group of approximately 20 armed robbers stormed the Muteke’s property, at Alpha Omega Farm in Marondera, and got away with some of the United States dollars paid by Chivayo.
With business interests across Africa, the maverick Chivayo has gained a massive following in Zimbabwe with unprecedented donations of large sums of money and vehicles to multiple people - in a country where the majority is battling heavy economic headwinds amid a biting economy.
In recent months, Chivayo has splurged high-end Toyota Fortuners and Mercedes Benz vehicles on Zimbabwe’s artists and socialites.
In December, Chivayo announced that he had gifted South Africa-based Zimbabwean football legend Peter Ndlovu with a brand-new a R2.6 million (US$144,000) 2024 BMW X6M Sport Competition.
IOL