Wicknell Chivayo has rejected claims linking him to South African investigations after President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Zimbabwe visit.
In a lengthy online statement, Chivayo described the allegations as “manufactured controversy.” He blamed opposition critics and “social media prosecutors” for spreading the claims.
He also insisted that no police force wants him in any country.
“I am just an interesting person… not a person of interest,” he wrote. “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.”
Furthermore, Chivayo said Interpol had confirmed his status “on several occasions.”
Chivayo Defends His Presence at Meeting
Chivayo revealed he was in Cape Town on holiday with his family. He also stressed that he travels freely through official immigration channels.
“If I were indeed some person of interest as social media prosecutors allege, I would have obviously been detained, questioned, indicted or subjected to some form of official process. None of that has happened,” he said.
Meanwhile, President Ramaphosa’s spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, addressed the issue last week.
Magwenya said Ramaphosa attended a private meeting with President Emmerson Mnangagwa at Mnangagwa’s invitation.
He also stated that Ramaphosa did not know who else would attend the meeting. Additionally, he said the president “had no sense of who he was,” apparently referring to Chivayo.
On Thursday, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni also clarified that any additional guests belonged to Mnangagwa’s delegation.
Chivayo then argued that VVIP security procedures require strict background checks before anyone meets a head of state.
“I was deeply honoured and privileged to have been part of the delegation that welcomed President Ramaphosa,” he said.
Confusion Over Chivayo’s Brother
Chivayo also claimed many people confused him with his younger brother, Joachim Chivayo, also known as G6.
South Africa’s Hawks declared Joachim wanted in February 2026. Authorities linked him to an illegal gold dealing case worth nearly R15 million.
Police arrested Joachim in late 2024 after discovering six gold bars in his possession. However, he later skipped bail and fled to Zimbabwe.
“Joacham is my little brother, whom I love and hold with the highest respect,” Wicknell said. “However, I cannot meaningfully comment on matters relating to his private affairs or any allegations that may have circulated online regarding his business dealings in South Africa.”
He also defended the principle of legal fairness.
He added that “any accused person is presumed innocent until proven guilty otherwise by a competent court of law and not on social media”.
Finally, South African authorities have not officially named Wicknell Chivayo in statements regarding Ramaphosa’s Zimbabwe visit.
The post Wicknell Chivayo Rejects South Africa’s “Person of Interest” Claims appeared first on iHarare News.
