Chivayo’s Former Mother-in-Law Arrested as Ramaphosa Image Saga Deepens

HARARE — The legal and political fallout surrounding controversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo escalated on Tuesday after his former mother-in-law, Tabitha Madzikanda, was arrested over allegations linked to the circulation of images involving South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. The arrest comes barely a day after Chivayo’s ex-wife, Sonja Madzikanda, was detained at Highlands Police Station in Harare following allegations that she unlawfully distributed “compromising” digital content allegedly showing Ramaphosa and Chivayo together before their publicly acknowledged meeting in Zimbabwe earlier this month. According to lawyer Rungano Mahuni, both women are expected to appear in court on Wednesday.

“The charges are not yet clear, but the police have mentioned unauthorised distribution of content and undermining the authority of the president. We hope to get the precise charges soon,” Mahuni said.

Police sources say Tabitha Madzikanda also faces separate fraud allegations involving an alleged attempt to access US$1.4 million from a trust account belonging to Chivayo’s children.

Investigators claim she allegedly attempted to remove Chivayo as a signatory to the account in order to facilitate the withdrawal of funds intended for property development projects. The case has taken a more politically sensitive turn following allegations by Chivayo that digitally manipulated images were created to falsely suggest he had privately met Ramaphosa before the South African leader’s recent visit to Zimbabwe.

An image circulating on social media appeared to show Chivayo and Ramaphosa seated together during what looked like an informal meeting. The image sparked debate because the South African Presidency had earlier stated that Ramaphosa did not previously know Chivayo before their encounter during a visit hosted by Emmerson Mnangagwa in Kwekwe. South African presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya had publicly described Chivayo as a “person of interest” to South African law enforcement and insisted the businessman was unknown to Ramaphosa before the Zimbabwe visit.

Chivayo has reportedly told police the circulated image was artificially generated using artificial intelligence tools to damage Ramaphosa politically and interfere with his business interests in South Africa. Police have since seized Tabitha Madzikanda’s mobile phone as part of ongoing digital forensic investigations.

Separately, Chivayo is also accusing Sonja Madzikanda of violating a High Court order regulating access to their two minor children. Sources say contempt of court proceedings could follow depending on the outcome of investigations. The latest developments have intensified public scrutiny around Chivayo, whose close links to political elites across southern Africa have repeatedly attracted controversy.

The businessman has frequently shared photographs and videos on social media showing meetings with several African leaders, including presidents from Zimbabwe, Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, and Mozambique. Political analysts say the case could trigger wider debate about digital manipulation, political influence, privacy rights, and the use of social media in high-profile disputes involving powerful public figures.

Wicknell Chivayo

Zimbabwe News, Wicknell Chivayo, Cyril Ramaphosa, Harare Courts, Political Controversy, South Africa News, AI Manipulation, Crime News, Zimbabwe Politics

Suggested Alt Texts:

1. “Zimbabwe businessman Wicknell Chivayo during a public event”

2. “South African President Cyril Ramaphosa official portrait”

3. “Exterior view of Highlands Police Station in Harare”

4. “Harare Magistrates Court building in Zimbabwe”