Tinotenda Hove – Controversial Zanu PF tenderpreneur Wicknell Chivayo on Thursday recorded video footage of himself leaving an airport in South Africa as he mocked mounting speculation linking him to claims that he is a “person of interest” following the recent private visit of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa to Zimbabwe.

In a lengthy and combative social media statement, Chivayo dismissed the allegations as politically motivated conspiracy theories being pushed by opposition supporters and online critics.

“I am just an interesting person… not a ‘person of interest’,” Chivayo said mockingly.
The flamboyant businessman, who has frequently faced public scrutiny over his wealth and political connections, insisted he was freely moving in and out of South Africa without any problems from authorities.

“I am a well-established and successful businessman of unquestionable integrity, and I am not wanted in connection with any criminal offence whether in Zimbabwe, South Africa or any other jurisdiction whatsoever,” he said.

Chivayo said he was holidaying in Cape Town with his family and claimed that if he were genuinely under investigation, he would have already been arrested or questioned.

“If I were indeed some ‘person of interest’ as social media prosecutors allege, I would have obviously been detained, questioned, indicted or subjected to some form of official process,” he said.

He went on to insult critics questioning his lifestyle and wealth, describing them as “stupid people on social media” obsessed with his surname and success.

“The reality is often less exciting than the fiction many stupid people on social media desperately wish to create around the surname ‘Chivayo’,” he added.

Chivayo also defended his inclusion in the delegation that welcomed Ramaphosa, saying opposition activists were trying to create unnecessary controversy around his presence.
“If anything, I was deeply honoured and privileged to have been part of the delegation that welcomed President Ramaphosa,” he said.

The businessman further used the statement to boast about his wealth, including private jets and a fleet of Rolls-Royces, while portraying himself as a target because of his riches and support for Zanu PF and South Africa’s ANC.
“Being a rich African always subjects you to scrutiny and unpleasant social media attacks,” Chivayo said.

He also dismissed renewed attention over past election-related allegations and his ongoing divorce proceedings in South Africa, describing them as part of a smear campaign against him.

“The so-called FIC reports which are being recycled from two years ago are of no moment whatsoever and a mere smear campaign against me for my unapologetic support for Zanu PF and its sister revolutionary party, the ANC,” he said.

Despite the backlash surrounding his comments, Chivayo remained defiant throughout the statement, insisting he was “unprovoked, unshakeable and unstoppable.”
“Always remember that an elephant is never disturbed by dogs barking,” he said.