South Africa issues warrant for Chivayo in R15M gold case

A blown court date just turned a flashy gold case into an international headache, and South African cops are hunting a ZANU-PF official who skipped bail like it was optional.

Warrants Over Gauteng Bail Breach

• Joachim Chivayo, ZANU-PF Harare deputy information boss, is wanted in South Africa.
• Brakpan Magistrate’s Court issued arrest warrants on 11 March 2025.
• Authorities say he and Brian Gungwa ignored bail rules and missed court.
• Their case was set down for 25 February 2025, and they did not pitch.

R15 Million Gold Bar Case

• Hawks Serious Organised Crime Unit grabbed Chivayo at Helderwyk Estate in Brakpan.
• Brian Gungwa, a 22-year-old South African, was arrested with him.
• Investigators linked the pair to six raw gold bars worth about R15 million.
• The court granted each man R20,000 bail two days after arrest.

Strict Conditions And Missed Check-ins

• Bail terms confined Chivayo to Gauteng province.
• Weekly reporting at Brakpan Police Station started on 1 December 2024.
• Postponement gave investigators time, but attendance was still mandatory.
• Noncompliance triggered the court to activate fresh warrants.

Political Profile And Extradition Risk

• Chivayo is the younger brother of Wicknell Chivayo.
• September 2025 saw him take up his ZANU-PF provincial post.
• His name also fronts ZimSports4ED, tied to the ruling party.
• Interpol cooperation between South Africa and Zimbabwe could pull him back.