By Dickson Bandera
HARARE — Businessman Sir Wicknell Chivayo says he wants to donate 10 brand-new bulletproof Toyota Fortuner vehicles and US$250,000 worth of specialised tactical and protective equipment to CID Homicide in recognition of the department’s role in bringing to justice a gang that terrorised his in-laws in a high-profile armed robbery last year.
Chivayo made the announcement on social media, acknowledging that the 18 armed robbers involved in the case had finally been convicted and sentenced to a combined 950 years in prison.
He said he had formally written to the police authorities seeking approval for the proposed donation, which would also include an iPhone 17 Pro Max for every officer attached to the CID Homicide department.
Chivayo stressed, however, that the donation remained subject to approval by the relevant authorities.
“In appreciation, yesterday I formally wrote to the Principal seeking the necessary permission and approval to donate ten bullet proof brand-new 2026 Toyota Fortuner 2.8 V6 vehicles or any other equivalent of their preferred type to CID Homicide Harare,” he said.
He said the vehicles would support the department’s operational mobility in Harare and beyond, while the US$250,000 equipment package would be selected by the police and intended to improve officers’ safety during lawful operations.
The proposed donation follows the successful prosecution of suspects linked to the armed robbery at the home of Chivayo’s in-laws in March 2025.
The robbery took place on March 18, 2025, at Alpha Omega Farm in Marondera, where an armed gang reportedly stormed the property and made off with about US$74,000 to US$75,000 in cash, together with other valuables.
The incident occurred just days after Chivayo’s traditional marriage to Lulu Muteke on March 8, 2025. Reports at the time linked the cash to money Chivayo had provided to his in-laws during preparations surrounding the marriage.
The businessman subsequently offered a US$100,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the perpetrators.
The case eventually resulted in arrests and prosecution, culminating in the convictions announced by Chivayo last week.
Reflecting on the investigation, Chivayo praised CID Homicide officers for what he described as professionalism, determination and painstaking investigative work.
“Criminal investigations of this nature require patience, intelligence, courage and painstaking attention to detail,” he said, adding that he had witnessed the seriousness with which the officers handled the case.
Chivayo also used the announcement to acknowledge the wider challenges faced by law-enforcement officers.
“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 proposed contribution would have to pass through the appropriate police and government approval processes before it can be implemented.
Chivayo said he was seeking approval through the police leadership, including Commissioner-General of Police Stephen Mutamba.
The businessman has previously made high-profile donations to public institutions and sporting organisations, frequently framing the contributions as support for national development and public service.
If approved, the proposed CID Homicide package would rank among his more substantial contributions to law-enforcement operations, combining vehicles, protective equipment and personal devices for officers.
For Chivayo, however, the gesture is primarily about recognition.
“This proposed donation and gesture, if approved, is simply my small way of saying thank you for a job well done,” he said.
