Wicknell Chivayo Withdraws Charges Against Ex-Wife Sonja and Her Mother

Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo has withdrawn all criminal charges against his ex-wife, Sonja Madzikanda, and her mother, Tabitha Madzikanda, ending a highly publicised legal dispute that had dominated social media and court discussions this week.

The two women had spent several days in remand prison following their arrest on allegations of cyberbullying and harassment linked to artificial intelligence-generated images involving Chivayo and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. They had been expected to appear before the Harare Magistrates Court on Friday for a rescheduled bail hearing before the charges were abruptly withdrawn.

Speaking outside the Rotten Row Magistrates Court after withdrawing the matter, Chivayo said he decided to forgive Sonja because of the children they share together.

“She’s the mother of my children. So I have forgiven her. My kids have been calling, asking, ‘Where is mummy?’ So once it involves my kids, then I’m defeated because they are the people I love the most,” he said.

However, Chivayo also indicated that he did not regret the arrests and defended the legal action taken against both Sonja and Tabitha.

Using the sarcastic Shona-English slang phrase “vanzwa butter,” Chivayo suggested the women had experienced the consequences of their actions after spending several days in custody.

“I don’t regret anything because for my mother-in-law to circulate fake pictures of President Ramaphosa and me as a way of trying to show that President Ramaphosa’s spokesperson lied that it was my first time meeting him at Precabe farm, I think that was a bit out of order,” he said. “She went to extremes. Citizens must respect Heads of State. That was uncalled for.”

Chivayo also addressed separate allegations involving the administration of a trust fund established for his children. According to the businessman, there had been attempts to use funds intended for the children to purchase land valued at approximately US$1.4 million.

“There was no fraud that was committed, but she attempted to try and buy some piece of land worth 1.4 million with my children’s investment,” Chivayo said.

He claimed a High Court order stipulated that US$5 million held for the children required his oversight as a signatory.

“My ex-wife has been trying to connive with banking officials to say, can they remove Wicknell as a signatory on the children’s account,” he alleged.

Chivayo further claimed that plans to purchase land and build cluster houses using the trust funds were made without his consent. However, neither Sonja nor Tabitha has been formally charged in relation to the trust fund allegations. The only charges previously before the court related to alleged cyberbullying and the circulation of AI-generated content.

The arrests sparked widespread debate online, with critics questioning whether state institutions were being used to settle personal disputes. Some commentators also raised concerns about the implications of using cybercrime laws in family and social media conflicts.

Despite the public fallout, Chivayo insisted his relationship with the Madzikanda family would continue because of the children involved.

“Our relationship can never end. We have two children, so if they hate me, it’s okay, and I’ll still be there for them. I’ve forgiven them,” he said.

Wicknell Chivayo

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