Zimbabwean politician Temba Mliswa has warned polarosing businessman Wicknell Chivayo against “abusing borrowed power” after Chivayo’s estranged wife, Sonja Madzikanda, and her mother were arrested in a fast-escalating case that has pulled South African President Cyril Ramaphosa into renewed scrutiny over his links to the businessman.
The arrests came after images and videos allegedly showing South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in close proximity to Wicknell Chivayo surfaced online, with Sonja believed to be the one who leaked them.
The alleged expose came just days after the South African presidency publicly distanced Ramaphosa from Chivayo, insisting the president did not know him prior to a recent meeting at Precab Farm in Kwekwe, Zimbabwe, where the two were photographed together during a private visit hosted by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
The controversy escalated further after police documents seen by ZiGoats alleged that Madzikanda unlawfully accessed Chivayo’s mobile phone during their marriage and retrieved private photographs and videos involving the businessman.
Investigators further allege that Madzikanda and her mother used Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to generate images purportedly linked to Ramaphosa before circulating them on social media, where they went viral.
The arrests immediately triggered political backlash after Mliswa warned Chivayo against weaponising influence, misusing police power and dragging state institutions into a growing regional controversy.
“We have observed the unfolding events with a keen eye and have refrained from commenting harboring the hope that Moyo would recognize the folly of his actions,” Mliswa said in a strongly worded statement, apparently referring to Chivayo by another surname.
“His blatant disregard for decorum, particularly in the presence of our elders, has been troubling; however, we now find ourselves at a juncture where his behavior threatens to undermine even his own standing.”
In one of the strongest political rebukes directed at Chivayo since the controversy erupted, Mliswa warned against individuals becoming “intoxicated” by proximity to powerful political figures.
“To be unequivocally clear, Moyo, you are indeed digging your own pit,” Mliswa said.
“Do not be intoxicated by your proximity to power to the extent of misusing it.”
The remarks are likely to intensify scrutiny around Chivayo’s growing political visibility and his widely discussed relationships with influential figures in Zimbabwe and South Africa.
The controversy intensified after Madzikanda alleged she had been detained at Highlands Police Station on charges linked to denying Chivayo access to their children and allegedly stealing one of his electronic devices.
However, she claimed the real motive behind her arrest was connected to sensitive material she allegedly obtained from Chivayo’s phone.
In statements circulated online, Madzikanda accused Chivayo of using wealth, influence and political connections to intimidate her following the breakdown of their marriage.
She further alleged that Chivayo used videos in which he is seen dining with heads of state to threaten people, claims that immediately triggered intense debate across social media and political circles.
According to police documents seen by ZiGoats, investigators allege that the dispute escalated after Madzikanda allegedly accessed Chivayo’s mobile phone during the course of their marriage and downloaded photographs and videos involving the businessman.
The police papers identify Chivayo as the complainant and describe him as the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Intratek Zimbabwe.
Investigators further allege that Madzikanda and her mother later used Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology to generate images purportedly linked to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa before allegedly circulating the material on social media platforms, where it quickly went viral.
The state claims the actions caused “substantial emotional distress and humiliation” to Chivayo.
Authorities also allege that both women acted unlawfully in publishing the material.
However, the allegations contained in the police documents remain untested in court and Madzikanda has not yet formally responded to the specific AI-related claims during proceedings.
Meanwhile, the closely watched case suffered another delay after Magistrate Manokore, who is presiding over the matter, reportedly fell ill before a bail ruling could be delivered on Thursday.
As a result, Madzikanda was expected to spend another night in custody after the matter was postponed to Friday, May 22, 2026.
The postponement has already intensified public debate surrounding the case, which has already triggered fierce political reactions and accusations of selective application of the law on social media.
The allegations surfaced just days after the South African presidency attempted to publicly distance President Ramaphosa from Chivayo following criticism over the businessman’s presence during Ramaphosa’s recent private visit to Zimbabwe hosted by President Emmerson Mnangagwa at Precab Farm in Kwekwe.
Ramaphosa’s office insisted the South African leader did not personally know Chivayo and had not been aware of his identity during the gathering.
That explanation, however, was met with widespread scepticism online after photographs emerged showing Chivayo among individuals accompanying Mnangagwa during the visit.
Critics questioned how a businessman repeatedly linked to corruption allegations and ongoing financial probes could appear in such close proximity to regional heads of state without attracting deeper scrutiny.
Mliswa’s intervention now adds a new and highly political dimension to the controversy.
In a particularly sensitive section of his statement, Mliswa accused elements within the Zimbabwe Republic Police of selectively targeting vulnerable individuals while failing to confront serious criminal activity.
“The baseless charges you have leveled against Sonja and her mother reflect a reprehensible misuse of authority by the police led by CG Mutamba whose own professionalism is questionable,” Mliswa said.
“Such disgraceful actions tarnish the integrity of the President, and we will not countenance this. The ZRP should refrain from being employed as a personal weapon.”
He further argued that some officials were abusing proximity to power in pursuit of influence, promotions and personal protection while creating the false impression that President Mnangagwa was aware of or complicit in such conduct.
“The President is a strategist who plays the long game, and any belief that he will not hold accountable those who misuse their influence is misguided,” Mliswa said.
“A day of reckoning shall come for all who exploit their offices.”
The controversy surrounding Chivayo has steadily expanded beyond Zimbabwe’s borders.
South African authorities are still conducting investigations into alleged suspicious financial flows exceeding US$3.2 billion linked to companies associated with the businessman.
Earlier this year, South Africa’s Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, commonly known as the Hawks, confirmed the investigation remained active, with officials examining flagged transactions and possible anti-money laundering violations.
Chivayo has consistently denied wrongdoing and maintains he has never been arrested, charged or convicted over the allegations.
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