Chivayo’s huge reward for police after robbers jailed
HARARE — Businessman Wicknell Chivayo has proposed a multimillion-dollar package of vehicles, tactical equipment and smartphones to reward police officers who investigated the armed robbery at his in-laws’ farm.
Chivayo says he has formally written to the authorities seeking approval to donate 10 bulletproof, brand-new 2026 Toyota Fortuner 2.8 V6 vehicles — or equivalent vehicles preferred by the police — to CID Homicide in Harare.
He has also proposed US$250,000 worth of specialised tactical and protective equipment, saying the donation would strengthen the unit’s operational mobility while improving officer safety during investigations and lawful operations.
But the package does not end there.
Chivayo has also offered to provide an iPhone 17 Pro Max to every officer attached to the CID Homicide station, whether or not they directly participated in the investigation.
The proposed reward comes after 18 armed robbers were convicted and sentenced to lengthy prison terms following the raid on the farm belonging to Chivayo’s in-laws.
The gang subjected the family to a terrifying ordeal during the robbery before being tracked down and brought before the courts.
Chivayo has now turned the spotlight on the detectives behind the case, showering the CID Homicide team at Harare Central with praise for what he described as a swift, thorough and professional investigation.
He specifically commended the response crack team, investigating officers, officer in charge and officer commanding for following every lead until the suspects were brought to justice.
“Justice has taken its course,” Chivayo said, describing the detectives’ work as an example of professionalism, determination and painstaking investigative effort.
He said police officers often operate under difficult and dangerous circumstances and should be properly equipped to protect themselves and the public.
The proposed donation, he said, was simply his way of saying “thank you for a job well done.”
However, the extraordinary package is subject to official approval.
Chivayo said he had approached the authorities through Police Commissioner-General Stephen Mutamba, and would be honoured to make the contribution if permission is granted.
If approved, the package would give the CID Homicide unit a striking boost — combining 10 armoured vehicles, US$250,000 in specialised equipment and smartphones for officers.
For Chivayo, the message is simple: the detectives delivered justice, and he wants to deliver a reward to match.