Prominent Zimbabwean preacher Prophet Uebert Angel has offered to help settle some of the alleged debts left by his late friend, controversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo. Angel, Zimbabwe's presidential envoy and ambassador-at-large, said he was prepared to pay some of the outstanding debts if creditors could prove beyond reasonable doubt that Chivayo owed them money. This offer comes as questions mount over Chivayo's financial obligations and the handling of his estate following his death in a helicopter crash near Marondera on September 30.
Chivayo, who died alongside his wife, Lucy Muteke, was widely known for his public displays of wealth and donations to prominent figures, entertainers, and religious leaders. Angel himself was among the beneficiaries, receiving a US$250,000 cash gift for his birthday and a Rolls-Royce Ghost for his wife, Prophetess Beverly Angel. Angel subsequently acknowledged receiving the money and a further US$150,000 for fuel. The scale of Chivayo's generosity has been overlooked in favour of reports about his debts, Angel argued.
Angel's offer to intervene in the Chivayo saga comes during a difficult week for the preacher. Last week, Al Jazeera's investigative documentary linked Angel to a £2,600 payment allegedly used to organise a staged demonstration in Glasgow during the 2021 COP26 climate summit. The purported rally was intended to create the impression of grassroots British support for lifting sanctions against Mnangagwa's government. Angel's involvement in the purported demonstration renewed scrutiny of his diplomatic role and his relationship with the Zimbabwean government.
The controversy surrounding Chivayo's estate administration process has raised concerns about the handling of his assets and liabilities. Under the estate administration process, an appointed executor is responsible for identifying the deceased's assets and liabilities, assessing creditors' claims, and settling legitimate debts before distributing the remaining estate to beneficiaries. Angel's offer to help settle some of Chivayo's debts has placed him at the centre of a growing debate over Chivayo's financial affairs.
Reports have emerged that Chivayo died owing three Harare car dealers approximately US$5.1 million. It was reported that Faramatsi Motors was owed about US$2.4 million, Exquisite Cars approximately US$1.4 million, and Enterprise Car Sales around US$1.3 million. However, the figures have been disputed, with Exquisite Cars owner Victor Vikela reportedly telling ZimLive that the amount attributed to his company was greatly exaggerated.
Angel argued that debts were a normal part of business and questioned the public discussion of Chivayo's liabilities before the estate had been consolidated and the claims verified. He disclosed that he was dealing with two individuals claiming to be owed money by Chivayo and was scheduled to meet one of them this week. Angel did not identify the creditors or disclose the amounts involved, saying he had assigned someone to verify the claims.
Angel's intervention aims to protect Chivayo's family from what he considers unsubstantiated allegations, warning people against making claims without evidence. He emphasized that if Chivayo gave him two million worth, it is his duty to try and cover two million worth, but creditors must prove beyond reasonable doubt that he owed them. The preacher's offer has sparked a renewed debate over Chivayo's financial affairs and the handling of his estate.
Key points
- Prophet Uebert Angel offers to help settle Wicknell Chivayo's debts if creditors provide convincing proof of their claims.
- Chivayo died owing three Harare car dealers approximately US$5.1 million.
- Angel's offer comes amid controversy surrounding his diplomatic role and relationship with the Zimbabwean government.
