Wicknell Chivayo’s estranged business partner told him to “carry his own cross” as the controversial businessman faces a raging scandal. The scandal erupted from an alleged audio recording of Chivayo claiming to have “captured” President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
This week, Zanu PF warned Chivayo to stop using Mnangagwa’s name in his alleged deals. The Zanu PF youth league also issued a statement accusing Chivayo of abusing his proximity to the 81-year-old leader. They called for an investigation into his conduct.
An audio recording, purportedly of Chivayo, went viral on social media. In it, Chivayo allegedly tells business partners Mike Chimombe and Moses Mpofu that the President is “in his pockets.” The recording includes Chivayo discussing a US$40 million tender from the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) to supply election materials for last year’s polls.
Chivayo allegedly denied Chimombe and Mpofu their share of the tender. The deal also involved Zanu PF’s Mabvuku MP Scott Sakupwanya’s Better Brands company. Chivayo assured his partners that more lucrative deals were on the way, citing his connections with Mnangagwa and other powerful figures.
Yesterday, Chivayo issued a statement distancing himself from the audio. He seemed to blame Chimombe and Mpofu for the mess, claiming it was a scheme to extort him. He apologized to Mnangagwa, First Lady Auxilia Mnangagwa, Central Intelligence Organization director-general Isaac Moyo, and others mentioned in the recording.
Chimombe told NewsDay that Chivayo should solve his own problems. “If he has his own problems, he should deal with them,” Chimombe said. Mpofu was unreachable for comment.
Political analyst Rueben Mbofana said Chivayo is trying to do damage control. “It’s nearly impossible to replicate mannerisms and speech patterns unique to a person,” Mbofana noted. He added that Chivayo’s words have exposed Mnangagwa’s involvement in shady deals.
Mbofana warned that Chivayo’s actions might land him in serious trouble. “His deals may be cut off, and he could face corruption charges,” Mbofana said. “We can safely say, the days of Chivayo are coming to an end.”
Chivayo was recently featured at state functions presided over by Mnangagwa, including the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair in April. He has donated thousands of dollars to events and gifted millions of dollars worth of cars to Mnangagwa’s supporters. Despite questions about his wealth, Chivayo remains a prominent figure.
The Zanu PF youth league distanced itself from Chivayo after a video of him with its leaders surfaced. The youths expressed concern over Chivayo’s “malicious, unfounded, and scandalous utterances.” They warned him against using Mnangagwa’s name for personal gain.
The youth league stated that Chivayo does not hold any influential party position. They emphasized that welcoming delegations at the airport is reserved for the President and head of state only. They warned Chivayo to “abstain from abusing party and government structures for his personal agenda.”
Source: Newsday
