Zimbabwean Tycoon Wicknell Chivayo Embroiled in Multi-Million Dollar Debt Scandal Over Lavish Gifts

Controversial Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo is once again making headlines, this time for allegedly owing millions of dollars to Harare car dealers for luxury vehicles and cash gifts he publicly pledged but reportedly failed to settle. A recent report indicates that Chivayo, known for his flashy lifestyle and grand pronouncements, has a pattern of announcing extravagant gifts while many deliveries and payments remain outstanding.

The allegations suggest a significant financial discrepancy, with police reportedly investigating claims that Chivayo pledged 10 bulletproof Toyota Fortuners, US$250,000 in protective equipment, and an iPhone 17 Pro Max, none of which were delivered. Lawyers for individuals who were promised gifts on the morning of his ‘death’ (an earlier, unclarified announcement) also confirmed that a 2026 Lexus GX 550, a 2026 Range Rover Sport, and cash were incomplete at the time.

Harare car dealers are reportedly facing millions of dollars in unpaid balances for luxury vehicles already handed over under deferred-payment deals. Furthermore, 15 members of the Johane Masowe church were promised 15 new Toyota Fortuners plus US$5,000 each; the cars were collected on September 30 but remain unpaid. Alick Macheso’s band also received 10 Toyota Aquas, with 15 more promised as ‘fully paid,’ fitting the pattern of announced gifts with unsettled supplier payments.