People receiving large donations from Chivayo risk jail – David Coltart
People and institutions in Zimbabwe that recently received large gifts or donations from controversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo could be in legal trouble, according to opposition Senator and lawyer David Coltart.
Speaking on X (formerly Twitter) on 12 June 2025, Coltart warned that receiving money suspected to be the proceeds of crime could amount to a criminal offence under Zimbabwean law.
“Section 8 of the Money Laundering and Proceeds of Crime Act (Chapter 9:24) needs to be reflected upon by all people and institutions who have received large donations/gifts recently from dubious sources,” Coltart posted.
“The section makes it a criminal offence for any person to ‘acquire, use or possess property’ if they ‘know or suspect’ that such property is the proceeds of a crime. Corruption is a crime and any money which is acquired as a result of corruption is a proceed of crime.”
Highlanders donation under scrutiny
Coltart’s remarks came just one day after ZimLive reported that Chivayo had announced a US$1 million donation to Highlanders Football Club. The businessman, who grew up in Bulawayo, pledged to disburse US$250,000 upfront as part of the sponsorship deal.
“I am passionate about football and Highlanders in particular,” Chivayo told reporters. “This is my small token to assist the club in its various administrative requirements.”
Chivayo also said he appointed Jabulani Nkomo, son of the late vice president John Landa Nkomo, to help manage the funds.
However, Coltart warned that simply accepting such donations could expose recipients to prosecution if the money’s source is questionable.
“Whilst those receiving these gifts may believe that they are immune from prosecution,” he wrote, “the fact remains that potential crimes are being committed, not just by the donor but by the donees as well.”
R800 million flagged by South African watchdog
Concerns about Chivayo’s sources of wealth intensified following revelations by South Africa’s Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC). In a report dated 30 October 2024, the FIC found that out of R1.1 billion paid by Zimbabwe’s treasury to a South African company for election supplies, over R800 million (approx. US$41 million) was quickly transferred to bank accounts controlled by Chivayo.
According to ZimLive, Chivayo allegedly used companies like Intratrek Holdings and Dolintel Trading to receive the funds. From there, the money was reportedly used to pay luxury car dealers, law firms, logistics companies and even a Zimbabwean make-up brand.
The FIC said:
“Ren-Form received over R1 billion from the Zimbabwe ministry of finance and economic development. More than R800 million was transferred to the business bank accounts of Wicknell Chivayo.”
Among the flagged payments were R36 million (US$1.9 million) towards car purchases and R351 million (US$18 million) to Asibambeki Platinum Group, a company owned by Emmanuel Musanyenda.
Chivayo denies any wrongdoing. He claims leaked voice notes that appear to implicate him were doctored and has apologised to senior government officials for “creating an adverse impression.”
Serious penalties possible
Under the Money Laundering and Proceeds of Crime Act, any person who “acquires, uses or possesses property knowing or suspecting at the time of receipt that such property is the proceeds of crime” can face up to 25 years in jail, a fine of up to US$500,000 (approx. R9.5 million), or both.
Coltart urged recipients of questionable funds to reconsider their positions.
“If anyone even suspects that the money which paid for the gift is the proceeds of corruption, then they should decline such gifts or assistance if they wish to avoid committing an offence.”
