Sonja Madzikanda demands US$25m, luxury cars in divorce battle with Wicknell Chivayo

Wicknell Chivhayo and Sonja Madzikanda

HARARE – A high-stakes divorce dispute between businessman Wicknell Chivayo and his ex-wife Sonja Madzikanda has escalated, with Madzikanda demanding a US$25 million lump sum, US$40,000 monthly maintenance and a fleet of luxury vehicles. The demands are outlined in court papers before the High Court’s Family Division, where Chivayo is also seeking interim access to the couple’s two minor children.

In her application, Madzikanda is seeking:

• A once-off payment of US$25 million

• Monthly spousal maintenance of US$40,000 until remarriage

• An annual US$1 million budget for holidays and entertainment

• Servicing costs for vehicles twice a year

She is also claiming ownership of several properties, including real estate in Gletwyn, Ballantyne Park, and an apartment in Sandton, Johannesburg. In addition, she is demanding seven vehicles from the marital estate, including three Rolls-Royce models (Spectre, Ghost, and Phantom), a Range Rover, Mercedes-Benz V-Class, Mercedes-Benz Maybach, and a Lexus SUV.

Madzikanda argues that the couple entered into a valid customary law marriage around July 17, 2017, with lobola negotiated and paid. Although the union was not formally registered, she contends it is governed by the Marriages Act of Zimbabwe and can only be dissolved by a court. She further argues that the Matrimonial Causes Act of Zimbabwe applies, entitling her to a share of assets accumulated during the marriage.

Chivayo, through his lawyers at Mpofu Mazhata Chambers, is opposing the claims, describing them as excessive and without legal basis. His legal team argues that the unregistered customary union does not entitle Madzikanda to spousal maintenance or division of property under the law. They also claim that the relationship was effectively terminated through the traditional process of gupuro, allegedly initiated by Madzikanda in early 2024.

“The union is only relevant to issues such as children’s status, custody and inheritance,” his lawyers argue.

They further maintain that the couple’s estates were separate and that Madzikanda did not contribute to the acquisition of the assets she is claiming.

Separately, Chivayo has filed an urgent chamber application seeking access to their two children, a boy born in January 2018 and a girl born in March 2019. He is requesting shared access on alternating weeks, including weekends, half of school holidays, and alternating birthdays and public holidays. Chivayo accuses Madzikanda of using the children as leverage in the financial dispute, an allegation she disputes.

The High Court has reserved judgment on the interim access application, with the broader divorce case expected to hinge on the legal status of the couple’s union and the applicability of Zimbabwe’s matrimonial laws. Legal experts say the case could set an important precedent on how unregistered customary marriages are treated in high-value divorce disputes.

Wicknell Chivayo divorce