Chivayo offers police 10 bulletproof cars

BUSINESSMAN Wicknell Chivayo has offered to donate 10 bulletproof Toyota Fortuners, US$250,000 worth of specialised tactical equipment and an iPhone 17 Pro Max to every officer in the Harare CID Homicide division following the conviction of 18 armed robbers who raided his in-laws' property in Marondera.

The proposed multimillion-dollar gesture is subject to official approval, with Chivayo saying he had approached the relevant authorities before proceeding with the donation.

The offer follows the conviction and sentencing of the gang responsible for the March 2025 armed robbery at Alpha and Omega Farm.

In a statement posted on X and Facebook, Chivayo commended members of the CID Homicide division for what he described as a swift and thorough investigation that ultimately brought the suspects before the courts.

"Their response was swift, their investigations were thorough, and their commitment to following every lead until the perpetrators were brought before the courts was truly commendable," he said.

Chivayo said he had written to "the Principal", apparently referring to President Emmerson Mnangagwa, seeking approval to donate 10 brand-new 2026 Toyota Fortuners with bulletproofing, or equivalent vehicles selected by the police.

He also proposed providing US$250,000 worth of specialised tactical and protective equipment to enhance the safety and operational capabilities of police officers.

In addition, Chivayo said every officer attached to the CID Homicide department would receive an iPhone 17 Pro Max, irrespective of whether they had been directly involved in the investigation.

The proposed donation is subject to approval through Police Commissioner-General Stephen Mutamba.

"This proposed donation and gesture, if approved, is simply my small way of saying thank you for a job well done," Chivayo said.

He said successful police investigations deserved public recognition, arguing that law-enforcement agencies should not only be criticised when they fail but should also be acknowledged when they perform exceptionally well.

"Too often we are quick to criticise our law-enforcement agencies when things go wrong, but equally, when officers perform exceptionally well, we must give credit where it's due," he said.

The 18 accused were convicted following a full trial before Harare regional magistrate Masaiona Shotgame, after they pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The sentencing figures reported in connection with the case have differed. Some reports put the gang's combined sentence at 950 years, while the state-owned Herald reported a total of 1,000 years.

However, the individual effective sentences reported by the newspaper amount to 1,179 years. Nine of the accused were each sentenced to an effective 76 years, while the other nine received effective sentences of 55 years. Some sentences imposed on separate counts will run concurrently.

Kelvin Murehwa, Peter Maramba Vhiya, Takudzwa Maisvoreva, Garikayi Shangwa, Temptations Gerald Dinhidza, Arnold Tafirei, Tawanda Mushayatu, Mike Mhaka and Shingirai Bhaureni each received effective 76-year prison terms.

Obvious Mutaka, Kennedy Kuzvinzwa, Adonia Dhliwayo, Charles Chokera, Arnold M Mutinhidza, Stephen M Chakanetsa, Dave Saurombe, Taurai Mushawemhuka and Felix Marongedze were each sentenced to an effective 55 years.

The State was represented by prosecutor Lancelot Mutsokoti.

The court heard that the gang descended on Alpha and Omega Farm at about 1am on March 18, 2025, armed with three rifles, two pistols, machetes, iron bars and bolt cutters.

Security guards Petros Mabunhu and Medic Zhakata were assaulted with iron bars before one of them was allegedly forced to lead the attackers to the bedrooms.

Gerald Muteke surrendered US$18,000, a loaded pistol and a Samsung S23 mobile phone.

The gang then confronted Vimbai Muteke, who handed over US$1,100, a safe key and a Samsung Galaxy A35. She was allegedly forced to open the main safe, from which the robbers took a further US$55,000.

The attackers also targeted Cossam Siminya, from whom they allegedly stole US$10,700, television sets, mobile phones, a power bank, groceries and other property.

Tuckshop worker Bosco Chidukudze was severely assaulted before the gang allegedly stole his cellphone.

The conviction brings to an end a lengthy criminal case arising from the raid, while Chivayo's proposed donation now awaits consideration and approval by the relevant authorities.