A warrant of arrest has been issued for Joachim “G6” Chivayo (33), a Zimbabwean national, after he allegedly skipped bail in South Africa over a R15 million illegal gold case. Authorities have also issued a warrant for his co-accused, Ayanda Brian Gungwa (20), a South African citizen.
The two were arrested by the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Unit on 26 November 2024 at Helderwyk Estate in Brakpan, Gauteng. Investigators seized six bars of unwrought gold valued at approximately R15 million, along with a Mercedes-Benz SUV. They were charged under South Africa’s Precious Metals Act (Act 37 of 2005) for unlawful possession of unwrought precious metals, an offence closely linked to illegal mining syndicates and cross-border smuggling networks.
Bail Granted – Then Broken
On 28 November 2024, the Brakpan Magistrate’s Court granted each accused bail of R20,000 under strict conditions. They were ordered not to leave South Africa or Gauteng Province and to report weekly to Brakpan Police Station every Sunday from 1 December 2024. The case was postponed to 25 February 2025 for further investigation into the gold’s source and possible accomplices.
Both men failed to appear in court. On 11 March 2025, the Brakpan Magistrate’s Court issued warrants of arrest and forfeited their bail. They are now officially listed as wanted suspects.
Skipping bail transforms an accused person into a fugitive. If found outside South Africa, extradition procedures and possible Interpol notices may follow.
Who Is Joachim Chivayo – And His Link to Wicknell?
Joachim Chivayo is the younger brother of Wicknell Chivayo, a controversial Zimbabwean businessman known for his lavish lifestyle and high-profile political connections.
Wicknell Chivayo, often calling himself “Sir Wicknell,” rose from modest beginnings to become one of Zimbabwe’s most talked-about tenderpreneurs. He has been linked to major government contracts, including a high-profile Gwanda solar energy deal awarded to his company Intratrek in 2015. The project, reportedly worth US$173 million, became mired in controversy after advance payments were made and the project stalled. Criminal charges were later withdrawn in 2023.
Wicknell himself is still under investigation in South Africa, where authorities are probing suspicious financial flows linked to his business network. The Hawks and the Financial Intelligence Centre are examining transactions involving over US$3.2 billion in public funds, highlighting potential money-laundering risks. While no formal criminal charges have been confirmed, the cross-border investigation remains active and closely monitored.
Wicknell has a prior fraud conviction dating back to 2004. In recent years, he has drawn attention for publicly gifting luxury vehicles and cash to musicians, church leaders, ZANU-PF supporters and social media influencers.
Joachim has largely remained in the background, until now. His alleged involvement in a R15 million unwrought gold case places him at the centre of a crime category South African authorities classify as priority economic and organised crime. His family connection to Wicknell raises the threat profile, as it suggests potential access to powerful political and business networks in Zimbabwe that could support smuggling routes or offer protection.
Bigger Than One Case
Unlawful possession of unwrought gold is not a minor regulatory breach. It strikes at the heart of illicit mining networks that often stretch across Zimbabwe and South Africa. The Hawks have repeatedly warned that gold trafficking fuels organised crime, tax evasion and corruption.
As of now, Joachim Chivayo is reportedly back in Zimbabwe, allegedly flaunting cash and associating with his high-profile brother. Law enforcement agencies in South Africa have circulated his details as a wanted suspect, and any sightings or tips are urged to be reported immediately.
The case remains active. Authorities continue investigations into the origin of the gold and whether larger syndicates are involved.
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