HARARE – A Rusape-based small-scale gold miner, Regayi Chipanga (45), has found himself in hot water after his lavish spending habits raised eyebrows, leading to his arrest on money laundering charges. The case, dubbed “Operation Mari wakaiwanepi” (Operation Where Did You Get the Money?), highlights the authorities’ increasing scrutiny of unexplained wealth.
Chipanga appeared before Harare magistrate Jessie Kufa on Thursday, where he was granted US$300 bail. He is represented by lawyer Moffat Makuvatsine. The State, represented by Detective Sergeant John Dunatuna of the CID Asset Forfeiture Unit, alleges that Chipanga’s sudden affluence sparked significant suspicions.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) stated that Chipanga’s arrest on 10 January 2026 followed police receiving information that he was “living lavishly, buying several assets and developing his rural home” in Village A, Nyahukwe, Rusape. According to court papers, investigators were alerted that Chipanga was “carrying out an extravagant wedding at his place of residence.” This ostentatious behaviour, prosecutors allege, ultimately sold him out.
Prosecutors allege that between October 2025 and January 2026, Chipanga lived well beyond his means, buying multiple vehicles, developing his rural homestead and staging what police described as an extravagant wedding despite being unemployed.
Acting on this information, a team from the CID Asset Forfeiture Unit raided Chipanga’s rural home, where they arrested him and recovered a Honda Vezel (AHI 5766), two Toyota Proboxes (AHC 8104 and AHC 7865), and US$1,700 in cash. The total value of the recovered property is pegged at US$32,000.
When questioned about the source of the assets, Chipanga allegedly told investigators that he acquired them through gold prospecting in the Bindura area but without the requisite paperwork. He reportedly claimed to police that he acquired the assets through gold prospecting in the Bindura area, but without the required documentation.
The State alleges that “he realised that there was a real risk or possibility that the property were proceeds of crime,” adding that the vehicles and cash were seized as tainted property. Prosecutors argue that Chipanga had no lawful right to acquire or possess the assets in the manner alleged, leading to the legal consequences he now faces due to his failure to justify his wealth.
The state had opposed bail, arguing that Chipanga is a flight risk and could interfere with investigations. Investigators warned that “the accused seems to rely on illegal activities and if released on bail he will continue to carry out illegal activities,” and could dispose of assets if freed.
Police told the court they intend to arrest Chipanga’s brother, Sydon Chipanga, and recover “more vehicles” as investigations continue. Prosecutors told the court that more assets are yet to be recovered and that police are still looking to arrest his younger brother, Sydon Chipanga, who allegedly prospected for gold with him.
The State informed the court that Chipanga’s unexplained affluence raised significant suspicions.
Investigations are expected to be completed within three weeks, with the State indicating it will call up to 10 witnesses. The matter was remanded for further proceedings.
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