Marondera – A brazen robbery targeting the in-laws of flamboyant businessman Wicknell Chivayo has sent ripples of concern through the farming community of Marondera. In the early hours of Tuesday morning, a gang of up to 19 heavily armed men stormed Alpha Omega Farm, making off with US$75,000 in cash and various personal items.
The incident, described as a “military-style operation,” has raised serious questions about the potential link between the high-profile nature of Chivayo’s recent lobola ceremony and the audacious attack.
Police were called to Alpha Omega Farm after gunshots rang out and Chivayo’s father-in-law Christopher Mudzingwa Muteke sent an SOS to a local farmers group. Some farmers turned up to assist but quickly retreated after realising it was a “military-style operation” upon seeing a large group of well armed and very organised men, ZimLive heard. A big white truck was seen parked near the property.
A Military-Style Operation
The details of the robbery paint a picture of a well-planned and executed operation. Police learnt that the farm is guarded by three armed guards from a private security company and a fourth who is directly employed by the Mutekes.
A guard from DM Security who was watchman at the southside guardroom told police that just after 1AM he was grabbed from behind by a man and he quickly noticed a group of about 19 men armed with rifles and pistols, and some carrying bolt cutters, machetes and iron bars, approaching.
The gang assaulted the guard while demanding to know where the other guards were located before his hands were tied from the back with cable ties. The gang entered the farm house yard and quickly subdued a second guard who was disarmed of his CBC shotgun.
A third guard keeping watch at the main entrance was struck several times on the head with iron bars before the gang entered the house by cutting off a padlock securing the burglar screen with a bolt cutter.
Gerald Muteke, 37, one of the occupants in the house, met the robbers in the passageway and they demanded cash. He quickly handed over $18,000, his Sarsilmaz pistol, a Samsung S21 and Samsung S24.
The invaders also opened a bedroom occupied by Vimbai Muteke, 43, who handed over $1,100, her mobile phone and keys to the safe which was stored in the main bedroom. The robbers seized $55,000 from the safe, police were told.
A brave neighbour who was informed about the raid fired two shots from distance from his 303 rifle, forcing the armed robbers to flee, firing three shots as they retreated. Police recovered an iron bar left behind by the robbers which will be examined for fingerprints.
Chivayo’s Response and the Extravagant Lobola Ceremony
Chivayo told ZimLive by phone on Tuesday: “I’m not aware (of the robbery). No-one has told me.”
The event, held in Marondera, was nothing short of spectacular, rivalling even the most extravagant celebrations seen globally. The Marondera venue was transformed into a spectacular setting, featuring a porch reminiscent of a lavish Italian villa. Renowned wedding planner Kevin Zhou decorated the space in striking burnt orange and blue hues, creating an atmosphere fit for royalty. The event was directed by popular MC Maimba Mapuranga and included performances from some of Zimbabwe’s top artists, including Jah Prayzah, Killer T, Enzo Ishall, and the Travellerz Band.
The event’s extensive publicity, fuelled by Chivayo’s own social media activity and the decision by the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) to air the private ceremony on national television, may have inadvertently drawn unwanted attention.
Prior to the ceremony, Chivayo took to social media to update his followers on the preparations. In the morning, hours before travelling to Marondera for the lobola ceremony, Chivayo recounted sending a messenger with US$50,000 to handle the lobola negotiations, with instructions to fulfil all requirements. He received a call back from the messenger confirming that the US$50,000 had more than covered all demands, and that there was a “lot of change” remaining.
The businessman further revealed that he had carried an additional US$75,000 in his car as a precaution, ensuring that there would be no financial shortfalls during the ceremony. However, this supplementary cash ultimately proved unnecessary.
Chivayo’s Instructions to His Messenger
In a series of posts, he detailed his instructions to his messenger, saying:
‘Saka ndafonera munyai. Vasvika ka vanhu vaye. Saka vangotakura ka 50 thousand ndine imwe 75 mumota. Saka ndati kune munyai, unongosvika woti, ‘”mukuru havasi kuda zvekuzomiswa kana auya. Hanti mwana wenyu ndirikumuda? Ndokumbirawo musanditambisirewo time. Itai maths dzenyu mungotipawo total kuti murikuda mari. Zvekuda kumbonzi 5 hundred vhuramuromo, 5 thousand matekenyandebvu. argh argh. Maweka here? Chingotipai total mari iri mumota ingoverengwa,” Chivayo said.
He added: “Ndozvataura mukuwasha ati hanzi hatisikuda kuti tite setirikunetsana, isu tirikuda mwana wenyu. Mwana wenyu ndinomuda saka ndokumbirawo murudo waMwari musandinetse panhau dzemari. I have.other problems, not money. Saka, I think in thirty minutes zvinenge zvatopera,” Chivayo said.
Questions and Concerns
The robbery has sparked a wave of questions and concerns. How did the robbers know about the presence of such a large sum of cash at the farm? Was the robbery directly linked to the lobola ceremony and the publicity surrounding it? What measures are being taken to ensure the safety and security of farmers in the Marondera area?
The ZRP has launched a full-scale investigation into the incident, and the public is eagerly awaiting answers. The brazen nature of the robbery has raised concerns about the level of security in the area and the ability of law enforcement to protect citizens from such attacks.
The incident also serves as a reminder of the risks associated with flaunting wealth and the potential for such displays to attract unwanted attention. While Chivayo’s extravagant lifestyle and social media activity have made him a prominent figure in Zimbabwe, they may have also made him and his family a target for criminals.
A Call for Action
The robbery at Alpha Omega Farm is a wake-up call for the community and the authorities. It is essential that the ZRP conduct a thorough and transparent investigation into the incident and bring the perpetrators to justice. It is also crucial that farmers in the area take steps to improve their security and protect themselves from future attacks.
The incident has cast a shadow over what was supposed to be a joyous occasion for Chivayo and his family. As the investigation unfolds, the focus will be on uncovering the truth and ensuring that those responsible for this heinous crime are held accountable.
Social Media Reacts
Connie Sibanda: That is Wat happens when you want your life to be in the public eye we don’t learn we invite trouble for ourselves.
Isheunesu Bradley Mafaune: If he genuinely loves his wife he must pay lobola again because pafeya haasati aroora kk
Lebogang Mcmars: Ndabva ndafunga umwe kwedu akandoba mbudzi yaange asungira mukadzi nayo that same night
.
Khumbula Sibanda: Is it possible that Wicknell organised the robbery?
Tinashe Tinofamangwana: Wicknel anobira nyika,mbavha dzemunyika dzabirawo atezvara vake ,saka zvaenderana,apa mbavha dzacho dzaivepo musiwa waaroora.
Monica Vimbai Chatikobo: Im beggining to understand the meaning of cycle, it goes back where it came from.
Innocent Charuza: wicknell , wicknell , wicknell ka usadzose mari yako uchidaro.
Marikun Chiherafilms: 19 vanhu pa 75000.
Tawanda Munyika: Mapurisa ngaabate vanhu vese vaiva pachiitiko including varoori, roorwi navaroorererwi pane ane information.
Ratidzai Gweshe: Yakadzorerwa kwayakabva anywhere Dumbuzenene ngaabvise imwe handiti anayo stereki.
Crucial Bvuchete: Zvaiyanikwa ku whole world kut zviddii …..chero vari vapenyu …kutobuda panational tv memuchit ndewese anokuombererai maoko…vakagona zvavo.
Taurai Zimani: Mukadzi nevabeereki matsotsi kunyeba chaiko Mirai muone.
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