Chivayo Hails Conviction of 18 Armed Robbers, Proposes Police Donations

Businessman Wicknell Chivayo has welcomed the conviction and sentencing of 18 armed robbers who attacked his in-laws last year, describing the outcome as “justice served” and praising the police officers who investigated the case.

The 18 were reportedly sentenced to a combined 950 years in prison. In a social media post on Tuesday, 25 August 2026, Chivayo said the group had subjected his in-laws to a “terrifying ordeal” before being brought to justice.

“Last week, I learnt the wonderful news that the group of 18 armed robbers who last year subjected my in-laws to a terrifying ordeal were finally convicted and sentenced to a wonderful, handsome and relaxing combined jail term of 950 years in prison,” Chivayo wrote.

Chivayo praised the CID Homicide Department at Harare Central, saying officers handled the investigation with efficiency and determination.

He specifically commended the response team, investigating officers, officer-in-charge and officer commanding for their work.

“Criminal investigations of this nature require patience, intelligence, courage and painstaking attention to detail. I witnessed first-hand the seriousness with which these officers approached their responsibility,” he said.

Chivayo said Zimbabweans were often quick to criticise law-enforcement agencies when things went wrong but should also recognise officers when they performed well.

“These dedicated men and women work under difficult and sometimes extremely dangerous circumstances to protect our families, our communities and our country,” he said.

Chivayo proposes police donation

In appreciation of the officers' work, Chivayo said he had written to President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Monday seeking approval to make a donation to the police. He said the proposed package includes 10 new 2026 Toyota Fortuner 2.8 V6 vehicles, or equivalent vehicles chosen by the police, for CID Homicide in Harare. The vehicles would be intended to improve operational mobility in Harare and beyond.

Chivayo also proposed donating US$250,000 worth of specialised tactical and protective equipment to enhance officers' safety during operations. In addition, he said he wanted to provide an iPhone 17 Pro Max to every officer attached to the department at Harare Central, regardless of whether they directly participated in the investigation. The proposed donations are subject to government approval, including authorisation through Commissioner-General of Police Stephen Mutamba, Chivayo said.

“This proposed donation and gesture, if approved, is simply my small way of saying thank you for a job well done,” he said.

“Those who put their lives on the line protecting innocent citizens deserve to be properly equipped and supported.”

The proposed donation has yet to receive the required approval.

Wicknell Chivayo police donation