Harare – The legal saga surrounding Sonja Madzikanda, the estranged wife of flamboyant Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo, and her mother, Tabitha Madzikanda, has taken a dramatic turn, with both women facing extended periods in custody. Their bail hearing, initially scheduled to proceed swiftly, was unexpectedly postponed due to the sudden illness of the presiding magistrate, Nyaradzo Manokore. This delay means the pair could spend a significant portion of the upcoming public holiday weekend behind bars, intensifying an already contentious dispute.
Sonja and Tabitha Madzikanda are currently facing serious charges of cyber-bullying and harassment, specifically under Section 164B of Zimbabwe’s Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act. The prosecution alleges that the mother and daughter were instrumental in circulating Artificial Intelligence (AI)-generated photographs and videos. These materials purportedly depicted Chivayo alongside South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, suggesting a meeting between the two prior to President Ramaphosa’s official visit to Zimbabwe on 3 May 2026. The State has indicated its intention to use these AI-generated images and videos as crucial evidence during the trial, with investigations expected to conclude by 3 June, and four witnesses lined up to testify.
A Web of Allegations and Counter-Allegations
The current charges are merely the latest chapter in a bitter and highly publicised fallout between Sonja Madzikanda and Wicknell Chivayo, whose marriage, spanning from 2019 to 2024, was annulled by the High Court of Zimbabwe. The divorce proceedings have been fraught with disputes over child custody, access rights, and the division of substantial assets. Sonja Madzikanda has vehemently denied the cyber-bullying allegations, asserting that she is being targeted and intimidated by her former husband.
In a viral video released shortly before her arrest, Sonja Madzikanda claimed she had received two separate dockets on the same day, accusing Chivayo of leveraging the criminal justice system against her. “Today I received two dockets. The first was from Wicknell Munodaani Chivayo, alleging that I was denying him access to his children. This is now the second time he has done this to me,” she stated. She further elaborated that the dispute escalated after her return from a trip to China. Upon her return, she performed the children’s school run, only for Chivayo to allegedly confront her with police officers, accusing her of obstructing his access to their children. “When I came back, he arrived with the police and alleged that I had denied him access to his children. That was the first docket,” she explained.
Madzikanda further alleged that after her lawyer intervened, a second case was opened, accusing her of stealing one of Chivayo’s electronic devices. “When he realised that my lawyer had come and defended me, a second docket was opened. He then alleged that I had stolen one of his devices. This is a man who is heavily guarded, as everyone is aware,” she remarked, implying the unlikelihood of her being able to steal from him. In a particularly explosive claim, Madzikanda suggested a motive behind the charges: “he is doing this because someone leaked videos of him and the President… That is why I am now being arrested and detained at Highlands Police Station.” She maintained her innocence regarding the leaks, citing her absence from the country at the time.
The Man at the Centre: Wicknell Chivayo’s Controversial Profile
Wicknell Chivayo, often referred to as ‘Sir Wicknell’, is a figure synonymous with controversy and ostentatious wealth in Zimbabwe. His public persona is characterised by lavish displays of luxury, including private jets, high-end shopping, and a frequent rotation of expensive vehicles. He is also known for his philanthropic gestures, often gifting luxury cars to supporters and celebrities, which has garnered him a significant public following.
However, Chivayo’s business dealings have frequently attracted scrutiny. He is the founder and managing director of Intratrek Zimbabwe, a company that has been embroiled in several high-profile cases. Most notably, the Gwanda Solar Project scandal saw Intratrek Zimbabwe awarded a multi-million dollar tender for a solar power plant. The project faced significant delays and allegations of corruption, leading to protracted legal battles with the Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC). Despite the controversies, the High Court and subsequently the Supreme Court in December 2023 ruled in Chivayo’s favour, reinstating the contract and dismissing ZPC’s appeal. This legal victory, however, did little to quell public debate surrounding the project’s execution and the substantial funds involved.
More recently, Chivayo has been implicated in another scandal involving a US$40 million to US$100 million tender with the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC). Leaked audio recordings and documents have surfaced, suggesting alleged inflated prices and questionable dealings involving Chivayo and his former business associates, Mike Chimombe and Moses Mpofu who are now serving between 12 and 17 years in prison each for another state contract gone wrong. These allegations have further fuelled public concern over transparency and accountability in government contracts.
Legal Ramifications and the Cyber and Data Protection Act
The charges against Sonja and Tabitha Madzikanda fall under Section 164B of the Cyber and Data Protection Act [Chapter 9:23], a piece of legislation designed to combat online abuse and protect individuals from harassment. This section specifically targets individuals who unlawfully and intentionally circulate, broadcast, or distribute false messages about a person. The penalties for such offences can be severe, including fines up to Level 10 or imprisonment for up to 10 years, or both, underscoring the seriousness with which online misconduct is viewed in Zimbabwe.
The State’s strong opposition to bail for Sonja and Tabitha highlights the gravity of the allegations. Detective Sergeant Chimera has been named as the investigating officer, indicating a thorough inquiry into the matter. The delay in the bail hearing due to Magistrate Manokore’s illness has inadvertently prolonged their detention, raising questions about the efficiency of the judicial process, especially given the impending public holiday.
Tabitha Madzikanda, a senior manager in compliance at FBC Bank, was arrested on 18 May, a day after her daughter. Beyond the cyber-bullying charges, there have been reports linking Tabitha to allegations concerning attempts to alter administration arrangements for a trust fund connected to Chivayo’s children, with the aim of removing him as a signatory. However, it is crucial to note that neither Sonja nor her mother has been formally charged with these alleged offences in the current court proceedings, which remain focused solely on the cyber-bullying accusations.
The Broader Context: Divorce, Custody, and Financial Disputes
The current legal battle is deeply intertwined with the acrimonious divorce between Sonja and Wicknell Chivayo. The separation has been marked by significant financial and custodial disputes. Earlier in the year, courts reportedly ordered Chivayo to pay Sonja US$5 million in relation to access and maintenance. Furthermore, a South African court reportedly issued an order to freeze some of Chivayo’s assets and bank accounts, pending the finalisation of the divorce. These financial entanglements add another layer of complexity to the ongoing legal drama.
Sonja Madzikanda has expressed profound concern that the latest developments are a calculated attempt to pressure her through the custody battle. “This is an effort to take my children away from me,” she asserted. “He has realised that I am not interested in his marriage, his cars or his wealth, but he knows that when it comes to my children, I will be concerned.” This statement underscores the emotional toll of the protracted legal and personal conflict.
As the nation approaches Africa Day on Monday, 25 May 2026, a public holiday, the fate of Sonja and Tabitha Madzikanda hangs in the balance. Should Magistrate Manokore not recover in time for a Friday hearing, their stay in remand prison will be extended until at least Tuesday, further prolonging their ordeal. This case continues to captivate public attention, not only due to the high-profile individuals involved but also because it highlights the growing complexities of digital ethics, personal disputes, and the long arm of the law in the age of artificial intelligence and social media.