Zimbabwean human rights lawyer Doug Coltart has warned that individuals who received vehicles from controversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo may face prosecution under Zimbabwe's anti-money-laundering laws. Coltart made the claim on X on Thursday, 24 September 2026, after a compilation circulated online listing dozens of vehicles reportedly distributed by Chivayo between 2023 and 2026.
According to Coltart, beneficiaries could face imprisonment of up to 25 years and fines of up to US$500,000 if the gifts are proved to be proceeds of crime and the recipients knew or suspected this. He urged recipients and members of the public to read sections 8(3) to 8(6) of the Money Laundering and Proceeds of Crime Act.
The Act criminalises acquiring, using or possessing property while knowing or suspecting that it represents the proceeds of crime. The required knowledge, suspicion or intent may be inferred from objective circumstances. Prosecutors do not first need to secure a conviction for the crime that allegedly generated the property or identify the particular person who committed it.
A conviction can attract a fine of up to US$500,000 — or twice the value of the property or gain involved, whichever is greater — imprisonment of up to 25 years, or both. However, accepting a gift is not automatically an offence. Prosecutors would still have to establish that the property constituted proceeds of crime and prove that a recipient knew or suspected this when accepting it.
Chivayo has repeatedly denied allegations of corruption, money laundering and influence-peddling, maintaining that his wealth comes from legitimate business activities. No court ruling cited by Coltart establishes that Chivayo's gifts are proceeds of crime or that the recipients have committed criminal offences.
The vehicle compilation attached to Coltart's post records gifts to musicians, church leaders, sports administrators, traditional leaders, relatives, employees and other prominent Zimbabweans. Recipients listed include Jah Prayzah and members of his family and band, Madam Boss, Sandra Ndebele, Sulumani Chimbetu, Seh Calaz, DJ Fantan, Nicholas Zakaria, Tocky Vibes, Dorcas Moyo, Chief Hwenje and Lawrence Katsiru.
A separate citizen-led review of Chivayo's publicly announced donations initially placed the total at approximately US$43.9 million across about 120 events since March 2024. The estimated value of Chivayo's publicly documented giving now stands at approximately US$46.64 million.
Key points
- Coltart warns that recipients of Chivayo's cars could face up to 25 years in jail and fines of up to US$500,000.
- The Money Laundering and Proceeds of Crime Act criminalises acquiring, using or possessing property while knowing or suspecting that it represents the proceeds of crime.
- Chivayo's publicly documented giving stands at approximately US$46.64 million.
