By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
Former Norton MP Temba Mliswa has pointed a finger at businessman Wicknell Chivayo, accusing him of being responsible for an armed robbery at Alpha Omega Farm, owned by Chivayo’s in-laws, in Marondera.
The robbery which occured when a gang of 20 armed robbers stormed the farm, making off with USD 74,100 in cash, a pistol, and high-value items, including several Samsung smartphones took place days after the much publicized lobola ceremony.
Mliswa took to the social media platform X, to voice his concerns, asserting that Chivayo’s extravagant displays of wealth, particularly his flashy videos showcasing the lobola he paid, had attracted the attention of criminals.
“This unfortunate incident is squarely on sekuru vangu Moyo who alerted everyone as to the huge amounts of money that were paid at the lobola event. He must be reprimanded by the police as his publicization invited robbers, putting his in-laws in danger,” Mliswa stated.
In his post, Mliswa cautioned Chivayo against excessive flaunting of wealth, particularly given the economically challenging conditions faced by many Zimbabweans.
“People are struggling out there and you can’t flaunt money like that in their faces. The next thing you get people hurt or killed as you put your in-laws in danger. Some of these issues of wealth are private business,” he said.
He further suggested that Chivayo redirect some of his funds into charitable causes, specifically recommending donations to Dudley Hall School, where Chivayo is an alumnus.
Mliswa proposed that Chivayo consider funding a new dormitory at the school as a way to leave a positive legacy, suggesting it could be named in his honor or that of his mother.
“It’s a good cause that will build him a positive legacy with a block named after him, his mother, or whoever he wants. There is so much hot-seating and he can build a new block for the students. A Wicknell Chivayo Block or dorm,” Mliswa concluded.
The armed robbery incident has raised concerns about safety and the implications of public displays of wealth in a country facing economic.