Chivayo's ex-mother-in-law arrested

Tabitha Madzikanda, the former mother-in-law of businessman Wicknell Chivayo, has been arrested on allegations of fraud after reportedly attempting to siphon US$1.4 million from a trust account belonging to her grandchildren.

Madzikanda, who is employed by FBC Bank as a card manager, was reportedly arrested on Tuesday morning by officers from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID).

According to allegations, she attempted to enlist the assistance of colleagues in an effort to remove Chivayo as a signatory to a US$5 million trust account held for the children.

Investigators allege that the group intended to divert US$1.4 million from the account to finance a property development project involving the construction of cluster houses.

Her arrest comes as her daughter, Sonja Madzikanda, also remains in police custody in connection with a separate matter.

Both women are expected to appear in court on Wednesday.

Authorities are also reportedly preparing additional charges against Tabitha Madzikanda under Zimbabwe's cyber laws over allegations that she was involved in circulating images of Chivayo with Cyril Ramaphosa that investigators claim were artificially generated.

Police investigations into the matter are ongoing.