Harare – Polarising businessman Wicknell Chivayo is once again dominating headlines after gifting his wife, Lucy “Lulu” Muteke-Chivayo, a brand-new 2026 Bentley Bentayga valued at approximately US$750,000, in a lavish anniversary gesture that has sparked admiration, debate, and scrutiny in equal measure.
By Advent Shoko
In an emotional and highly publicised message, Chivayo described Lulu as his “answered prayer” and “safe place,” praising her loyalty, faith, and unwavering support. “You truly deserve nothing less than royalty,” he wrote, revealing that the luxury SUV was accompanied by a promise of an additional US$1 million birthday gift.
But beyond the romance and opulence, the timing of the gift has placed Chivayo back under the spotlight of Zimbabwe’s legal and governance discourse.
The grand gesture comes against the backdrop of an ongoing and highly charged divorce battle with his former wife, Sonja Louise Madzikanda. The dispute has already spilled into the courts, with Madzikanda demanding a US$25 million lump sum settlement and US$40,000 in monthly upkeep, while also threatening to expose sensitive details about Chivayo’s past.
In a recent ruling, the High Court, through Justice Amy Tsanga, formalised a consent order requiring Chivayo to pay US$5 million in maintenance and settlement. Of that amount, US$2.2 million has already been paid, with the remaining US$2.8 million due within 30 days.
The court also confirmed custody arrangements, granting Madzikanda primary residence of the children while preserving shared parental rights. Chivayo was awarded structured access, including one full week per school month, weekends, and special occasions.
Legal analysts say the convergence of high-value personal spending and ongoing court obligations raises broader questions around financial disclosure, accountability, and the optics of wealth in high-profile cases.
While gifting a luxury vehicle is not unlawful, the public nature of the announcement, coupled with pending financial obligations, has intensified public interest and scrutiny.
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