The high-profile legal saga surrounding controversial Zimbabwean tenderpreneur Wicknell Chivayo has escalated, with his ex-wife, Sonja Madzikanda, and her mother, Tabitha Madzikanda, spending another night in custody. The arrests and subsequent extended remand have ignited significant public and political scrutiny across Zimbabwe.
The arrests are reportedly linked to allegations of fraud and cybercrimes, with Sonja Madzikanda’s detention specifically mentioned in connection with a ‘compromising’ video involving South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. The situation intensified when a magistrate fell ill, leading to the extended remand of the two women.
Former Norton MP Temba Mliswa has publicly criticized the arrests, arguing that the dispute should be handled as a civil matter. Mliswa also called for a thorough investigation into the Zimbabwe Republic Police’s conduct and the source of Chivayo’s funds, raising concerns about potential corruption and abuse of power within the police force.
Key Players Involved
- Wicknell Chivayo: Controversial Zimbabwean tenderpreneur at the center of the legal dispute.
- Sonja Madzikanda: Chivayo’s ex-wife, arrested in connection with alleged fraud and a ‘compromising’ video.
- Tabitha Madzikanda: Sonja Madzikanda’s mother, also arrested and held in custody.
- Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP): Law enforcement agency involved in the arrests and ongoing investigations.
- Temba Mliswa: Former Member of Parliament who has publicly condemned the arrests and called for further investigations.
Event Timeline
- May 21, 2026: Sonja Madzikanda is arrested, allegedly over a ‘compromising’ video involving President Ramaphosa. Her mother, Tabitha Madzikanda, is also detained.
- May 21, 2026, 10:17 AM: Sonja and Tabitha Madzikanda face extended remand as the magistrate assigned to their case falls ill.
- May 22, 2026, 5:29 AM: Chivayo’s ex-wife and mother-in-law spend another night in custody, indicating ongoing legal proceedings.
- Recent: Former MP Temba Mliswa criticizes the arrests, suggesting the matter should be civil and calling for scrutiny of police conduct and Chivayo’s finances.
- Current Status: The Madzikandas remain in custody, with the legal process ongoing and public debate intensifying over the nature of the charges and the handling of the case.
