Police arrested two men linked to a big cash robbery at a farm connected to businessman Wicknell Chivayo. Peter Maramba Vhiya, 43, and Takudzwa Maisvoreva, 24, from Chitungwiza, faced robbery charges in court. Regional Magistrate Marehwanazvo Gofa told them only the High Court could free them on bail. The judge kept them locked up until April 10, waiting for police to catch a third suspect.
The robbery happened March 18 around 1 AM at Alfa and Omega Farm in Marondera. Prosecutor Lancelot Mutsokoti said the thieves came armed with rifles, pistols, machetes, iron bars, and bolt cutters. They beat up security guard Petros Mabunhu, kicked him many times, and tied his hands and legs with cable ties. They forced him into the farm area, where they caught two more guards, Zex Mutasa Rusike and Medic Zhakata.
The gang broke into the farmhouse by cutting through security screens. They found Gerald Muteke in his bedroom and made him give up $18,000, a loaded pistol, and two phones. Next, they went to Vimbai Muteke's room and demanded money. She handed over $1,100, a Samsung phone, and the key to a safe. The robbers emptied the safe and stole another $55,000 in cash.
During the heist, farm worker Elphas Maruta tried to help. Armed with an old rifle, he shot twice at the robbers. They fired back three times before running away with $74,600 in cash and other items. Police later recovered stolen stuff worth $3,800. The farm belongs to relatives of Wicknell Chivayo, who recently paid this money as bride price.
Chivayo has become famous for showing off his rich lifestyle on social media. He posts pictures of fancy cars, expensive clothes, and luxury trips. His recent marriage ceremony cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, making him stand out among Zimbabwe's wealthy people. But behind the flash lies controversy about how he made his money.
Critics point to Chivayo's past problems with the Zimbabwe Power Company solar project. He got paid millions for work he never finished. Many say his success comes from his friendship with President Emmerson Mnangagwa and other powerful government officials. Regular Zimbabweans see him as an example of corruption where political friends receive government contracts without doing the work.
The robbery happened March 18 around 1 AM at Alfa and Omega Farm in Marondera. Prosecutor Lancelot Mutsokoti said the thieves came armed with rifles, pistols, machetes, iron bars, and bolt cutters. They beat up security guard Petros Mabunhu, kicked him many times, and tied his hands and legs with cable ties. They forced him into the farm area, where they caught two more guards, Zex Mutasa Rusike and Medic Zhakata.
The gang broke into the farmhouse by cutting through security screens. They found Gerald Muteke in his bedroom and made him give up $18,000, a loaded pistol, and two phones. Next, they went to Vimbai Muteke's room and demanded money. She handed over $1,100, a Samsung phone, and the key to a safe. The robbers emptied the safe and stole another $55,000 in cash.
During the heist, farm worker Elphas Maruta tried to help. Armed with an old rifle, he shot twice at the robbers. They fired back three times before running away with $74,600 in cash and other items. Police later recovered stolen stuff worth $3,800. The farm belongs to relatives of Wicknell Chivayo, who recently paid this money as bride price.
Chivayo has become famous for showing off his rich lifestyle on social media. He posts pictures of fancy cars, expensive clothes, and luxury trips. His recent marriage ceremony cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, making him stand out among Zimbabwe's wealthy people. But behind the flash lies controversy about how he made his money.
Critics point to Chivayo's past problems with the Zimbabwe Power Company solar project. He got paid millions for work he never finished. Many say his success comes from his friendship with President Emmerson Mnangagwa and other powerful government officials. Regular Zimbabweans see him as an example of corruption where political friends receive government contracts without doing the work.
