Chivayo denies being 'person of interest'

The diplomatic fallout following South African President Cyril Ramaphosa's recent visit to Zimbabwe has intensified, after businessman Wicknell Chivayo responded strongly to speculation linking him to law enforcement investigations and his presence at a high-level meeting hosted by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Ramaphosa met Mnangagwa on Sunday during what the South African Presidency described as bilateral discussions on trade, investment and regional cooperation. The visit, however, drew scrutiny after images and reports showed Chivayo alongside prominent businessmen Paul Tungwarara and Kudakwashe Tagwirei at Mnangagwa's Precabe Farm in Kwekwe.

The South African Presidency later clarified that Ramaphosa had no prior knowledge of an individual described as being of interest to law enforcement who was present during the engagements. Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said the visit focused on strengthening historic bilateral relations and expanding economic cooperation, noting that South African exports to Zimbabwe reached about US$4.3 billion in 2025.

Against this backdrop, Chivayo took to X (formerly Twitter) to dismiss allegations circulating online, insisting he was not the unnamed individual referenced in official statements.

In a detailed post titled "I AM JUST AN INTERESTING PERSON…NOT A 'PERSON OF INTEREST'", Chivayo rejected what he described as "allegations, counter-allegations and conspiracy theories" surrounding the visit, arguing that the matter had been "taken out of context" by political opponents and social media speculation.

"For the record, I am a well-established and successful businessman of unquestionable integrity, and I am not wanted in connection with any criminal offence whether in Zimbabwe, South Africa or any other jurisdiction whatsoever," he wrote.

Chivayo further claimed that his international travel history has been uninterrupted and suggested that his movements through immigration channels would not be possible if he were under any form of legal restriction. He also said he is currently in Cape Town with his family.

He questioned the narrative circulating online, arguing that no individual had been specifically named in the South African Presidency's statement and that assumptions linking him to investigations were unfounded.

"My limited understanding of VVIP security protocols is that no individual gets into close proximity with any sitting Head of State without extensive vetting and clearance," he said, adding that his presence at the meeting should therefore not be treated as unusual.

Chivayo also criticised what he called "social media prosecutors" and urged attention to be redirected toward broader societal issues such as crime and safety in South Africa.

In a separate section of the post, he addressed confusion linking him to his brother, Joachim Chivayo, stating that any allegations involving his sibling's business dealings were "personal to him" and unrelated to his own affairs.

The developments come amid growing scrutiny of individuals within President Mnangagwa's business and political orbit, following the informal nature of the farm meeting that also included other controversial business figures.

The South African Presidency has maintained that Ramaphosa's visit was strictly diplomatic, while declining to comment on the identities or roles of private individuals present during the engagements.

Harare has not issued an official response to the latest remarks or the broader concerns raised in South Africa.