Wicknell Chivayo, the flamboyant baron fast emerging as one of Zimbabwe’s most polarising figures — cast an innocent posture this week, as he declared he had “nothing to hide,” with high-profile bureaucrats claiming his bank accounts had been garnished and a lifestyle audit was underway to trace the source of his wealth.
“I have always paid customs duty on my vehicles, not to show off, but to lead by example,” Chivayo, known for his extravagant tastes and controversial deals, told the Zimbabwe Independent in a rare, wide-ranging interview.
“Our books are open. Our records are auditable. We maintain transparency with all statutory bodies.”
Dismissing the claims as “malicious” and “fictitious,” Chivayo insisted:
“There is no garnishee order. None of my accounts have been frozen. And I have not been informed of any lifestyle audit … I welcome scrutiny — but not falsehoods. If anyone claims my accounts are garnished, let them bring documentary evidence.”
“I wish to categorically state that I am not aware of any garnishee orders issued against my personal or corporate bank accounts by Zimra (Zimbabwe Revenue Authority) or any other regulatory authority. No such communication has ever been made or served on me.”
“I have never been contacted by any of my bankers regarding the freezing, garnishing, or attachment of funds in any of my accounts. The assertion that ‘most of my accounts have been garnished’ is entirely false.”
He said such audits would be preceded by formal engagement or correspondence from Zimra — neither of which had occurred.
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“All the companies I am involved in — whether as shareholder, director, or executive — are fully compliant with their tax obligations under Zimbabwean law. In my personal capacity, I have always led by example on matters of national duty and
fiscal discipline. I am perhaps one of the few entrepreneurs who has consistently publicised the payment of customs duty on my vehicles and high-value imports — not for show-off, but to demonstrate that compliance is not optional, even for those in positions of influence.”
“Whether duty is payable in local or foreign currency, I ensure it is paid directly to Zimra — in full.”
Jet-setting mogul Chivayo has faced fire on multiple fronts — from accusations of capturing strategic state institutions to allegations of flattering political power in exchange for multi-million-dollar government contracts.
The most explosive deal involving his companies centred on Zimbabwe’s 2023 election tender.
South African state watchdogs alleged Chivayo pocketed R800 million under suspicious circumstances. He denies the allegations outright.
This week, Chivayo claimed he was the victim of a political smear campaign and warned the media not to be swayed by malice masquerading as journalism.
He is the man whose Instagram doubles as a showroom of Bentleys and Rolls Royces. A tycoon whose wardrobe mirrors his garage. His flamboyance has both fascinated and exhausted a nation trapped between economic despair and scandal fatigue.
But this week, Chivayo said he had had enough of the whispers. He wants the world to know: He is clean. He pays taxes. He has nothing to hide, he claimed.
For years, Chivayo has built a brand around invincibility. From chartering private jets to splashing luxury cars on Zanu PF-aligned celebrities, he has paraded influence while critics cried foul.
Some call it strategic branding. Others call it looting in plain sight.
Few businessmen have appeared as frequently beside President Emmerson Mnangagwa. Fewer still have posted themselves handing out bundles of US dollars in hotels or taunting rivals with flashy displays of power.
Critics call it state capture.
“I am also aware that companies doing business with the Government of Zimbabwe, as many of ours do, are held to the highest levels of accountability and are frequently subject to due diligence reviews by regulatory, procurement and oversight bodies. This is standard practice, and we welcome such oversight.
“Our books are auditable and open to inspection and we maintain verifiable documentation on all our projects, whether current or historical. We have nothing to hide, and our teams engage openly with statutory bodies, including Zimra.”
“I find it prudent to caution against the growing trend of weaponising unverified allegations.”
But it is not just the contracts that have riled the public — it is the ostentation. In a nation reeling from unemployment and collapsing hospitals, Chivayo has come to represent excess in its most brutal form. Jets. Designer suits. Cash giveaways. Lavish parties. And yet — many have queried where the money comes from.
When pressed, Chivayo said he has nothing to conceal.
“Our books are open. Our companies are compliant. We have valid tax clearances. We work with registered accountants and consultants to stay aligned with Zimra.”
Chivayo’s business empire reportedly spans construction, information communication technology, logistics, and energy.
He said each unit files Pay-As-You-Earn, Value-Added-Tax and customs duty monthly — with strict compliance protocols in place.
Still, questions linger.
Gladman Njanji, marketing and corporate affairs executive at Zimra said: “The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority wishes to reaffirm that its operations are governed by statutory provisions, which include a strict obligation to uphold taxpayer confidentiality. In accordance with these provisions, Zimra does not disclose or engage in discussions regarding the tax affairs of any individual or corporate entity with third parties.”
