Chivayo’s US$5.1 Million Luxury Car Debts Raise Questions Over His Estate
The late businessman Wicknell Chivayo’s lavish luxury vehicle giveaways are facing fresh scrutiny following claims that three major Harare car dealerships are owed a combined US$5.1 million (approximately R83.76 million). The outstanding payments could complicate the administration of his estate as questions emerge about his assets, business interests and financial obligations.
A report published by ZimLive on 20 October 2026 states that Exquisite Cars, Enterprise Car Sales and Faramatsi Motors are seeking to recover millions of dollars allegedly owed by the businessman. Chivayo built a public profile through high-value vehicle and cash giveaways, particularly to individuals, churches and institutions.
Chivayo and his wife, Lucy, died in a helicopter crash near Marondera on 30 September 2026. His family is now preparing to appoint an executor to administer his estate, which could involve resolving outstanding debts, property transactions and claims involving businesses in Zimbabwe and South Africa.
Three Harare Car Dealers Allegedly Owed Millions By Chivayo
According to ZimLive, sources familiar with Chivayo’s arrangements put the combined outstanding balances owed to the three dealerships at approximately US$5.1 million (R83.76 million).
Faramatsi Motors allegedly has the largest outstanding claim, followed by Exquisite Cars and Enterprise Car Sales.
The reported amounts are:
- Faramatsi Motors: US$2.4 million (approximately R39.41 million).
- Exquisite Cars: US$1.4 million (approximately R22.99 million).
- Enterprise Car Sales: US$1.3 million (approximately R21.35 million).
The report describes an arrangement under which Chivayo could obtain vehicles from dealerships and settle the bills later, typically within three months.
A source familiar with the arrangements told the publication that payments were linked to the timing of government disbursements.
“Most of his income came from the government. So these payments to the car dealers followed cycles of disbursements by the treasury, and the car dealers were comfortable with their arrangement,” the source said.
The reported credit arrangements offer a glimpse into how Chivayo acquired some of the vehicles associated with his highly publicised giveaways.
Exquisite Cars Disputes Reported Debt As Other Dealers Remain Silent
Victor Vikela, the owner of Exquisite Cars, declined to discuss the details of his business dealings with Chivayo, citing their relationship.
whatever Chivayo owed his business had been written off.
Faramatsi Motors owner Matsika also declined to disclose details of the transactions, referring to the dealership’s client confidentiality obligations.
“We respect and protect and abide by our client confidentiality rules. If you buy a car from Faramatsi Motors, you will not hear anything relating to the transaction. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” Matsika said.
Enterprise Car Sales owner Tendai Chipanga could not be reached for comment.
The reported claims therefore remain subject to clarification, particularly given Vikela’s dispute over the figures and his statement that the amount owed to his business had been written off.
The questions extend beyond the three Harare dealerships. ZimLive reports that South African car dealers who released vehicles before receiving full payment are also seeking to recover money from Chivayo’s estate.
Some vehicles are allegedly stranded at the Beitbridge border post because customs duties had not been fully paid.
The claims could add to the work facing the estate’s executor, who will need to establish which liabilities remain outstanding and how any valid claims should be handled.
Chivayo’s Property Deals And Business Interests Also Under Scrutiny
The reported vehicle debts form part of wider questions surrounding Chivayo’s assets and business interests following his death.
His companies, including IMC Communications, Intratrek and TTM Global Medical Exports, held government contracts worth nearly US$1 billion (approximately R16.42 billion), according to the report.
The future of those businesses remains uncertain because Chivayo was their central figure. The report also notes that his companies secured lucrative government contracts, in many cases without competitive bidding.
Questions have also emerged over a property in England valued at US$12 million (approximately R197.04 million), which Chivayo is believed to have completed purchasing just days before his death. He had also spoken about owning properties in Dubai, Eswatini, Johannesburg and Cape Town.
His private jet, a Gulfstream G550 that he valued at US$34 million (approximately R558.28 million), left Zimbabwe on 18 October 2026 and landed in Basel, Switzerland. ZimLive reported that it remained unclear who authorised the aircraft’s movement or under what arrangements it was repositioned.
Another significant question concerns Chivayo’s mansion in Gletwyn, Harare, which sits on four adjoining stands covering a combined 11.5 hectares.
In 2017, Chivayo agreed to purchase the property from former police commissioner-general Augustine Chihuri for US$2.555 million (approximately R41.95 million).
The sale agreement required an initial payment of US$1 million (approximately R16.42 million), with the remaining US$1.555 million (approximately R25.52 million) due within a year. It stated that failure to pay the balance within that period would render the agreement “null and void and of no effect.”
The transfer was supposed to take place after the full purchase price, transfer fees, stamp duty and obligations to the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) had been settled.
However, the transaction reportedly encountered difficulties after ZIMRA valued the property at US$7 million (approximately R114.94 million) for capital gains tax purposes. At the applicable 20% rate cited in the report, the tax liability would amount to US$1.4 million (approximately R22.99 million).
A lawyer familiar with the transaction told the online publication that Chihuri objected to the tax liability because the agreed purchase price was substantially lower than ZIMRA’s valuation. Chivayo reportedly offered to cover the tax, but the transfer was never completed.
The mansion’s ownership and the status of the agreement could now require resolution by the estate’s executor. A legal expert cited by the publication said Chihuri could seek to reclaim the property by treating Chivayo’s part-payment as rent rather than a deposit towards the purchase.
The outcome will depend on the applicable legal position and the relevant transaction documents.
As the estate administration process approaches, the reported dealership claims, cross-border vehicle payments and unresolved property transactions present several issues that may need to be examined. The executor will have to establish the estate’s assets and liabilities before determining how legitimate claims should be addressed.