Temba Mliswa Criticises Wicknell Chivayo Over Proposed ZRP Donations

Southerton Business Times

Aug 28

2 min read

HARARE – Former ZANU PF Mashonaland West provincial chairman Temba Mliswa has criticised businessman Wicknell Chivayo over the manner in which he announced proposed donations to the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) following the conviction and jailing of 18 men who robbed his in-laws in Marondera.

The robbery occurred at Alpha and Omega Farm in March 2025, shortly after Chivayo had paid lobola for his current wife. Chivayo recently announced plans to donate 10 bulletproof Toyota Fortuners, tactical equipment valued at US$250,000 and an iPhone 17 Pro Max to every officer in Harare's Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Homicide division.

In statements posted on X and Facebook, Chivayo praised the CID Homicide response team, investigating officers and commanders for their handling of the case.

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

Mliswa Calls for Institutional Decorum

However, Mliswa said he was not opposed to individuals or companies supporting public institutions but argued that such donations should be handled in a manner that protects the integrity and independence of the organisations receiving them. He said proper decorum and respect were essential when making public acknowledgements to law enforcement agencies.

Mliswa warned that singling out a specific group of officers for high-value gifts could create the perception of undue influence and potentially undermine public confidence in the police force.

“The entire police force deserves support rather than the favour of a select few. Thus, it is essential to contribute to the ZRP as an entire entity, rather than creating the impression of purchasing control,” Mliswa wrote on X.

Debate Over Donations to Public Institutions

The proposed donation has raised broader questions about how private individuals should support public institutions and whether high-value gifts to specific law enforcement units could affect perceptions of institutional independence. Chivayo maintained that the gesture was intended as an expression of appreciation for the officers involved in investigating and resolving the robbery case. The donations remain subject to approval. The 18 men convicted in connection with the robbery were jailed following the conclusion of the criminal case.