By Gabriel Manyati
Prominent businessman Wicknell Chivayo has proposed a multimillion-dollar reward package for police detectives who helped secure the conviction of 18 armed robbers involved in a terrifying raid at his in-laws’ farm.
The robbers were sentenced to a combined 950 years in jail.
The proposed package includes 10 brand-new 2026 Toyota Fortuner 2.8 V6 vehicles, US$250 000 worth of specialised tactical and protective equipment, and an iPhone 17 Pro Max for every officer attached to the CID Homicide station in Harare Central.
Chivayo said he had formally approached the authorities through Police Commissioner-General Stephen Mutamba seeking approval to make the donation.
He said the 10 vehicles would be bulletproof and could be replaced with equivalent models preferred by the police.
The proposed US$250 000 equipment package is intended to improve the unit’s operational capacity, mobility and the safety of officers involved in investigations and lawful operations.
But perhaps the most unusual part of the proposed reward is the smartphones.
Chivayo wants every officer attached to CID Homicide at Harare Central to receive an iPhone 17 Pro Max, regardless of whether they were directly involved in investigating the farm robbery.
The proposal follows the conviction and sentencing of 18 members of an armed gang that raided the farm belonging to Chivayo’s in-laws.
The family was subjected to a frightening ordeal during the robbery before investigators tracked down the suspects and brought them before the courts.
Chivayo has since singled out the CID Homicide team for praise, describing the investigation as swift, thorough and professional.
He particularly commended the crack response team, investigating officers, officer in charge and officer commanding for pursuing every lead until the suspects were brought to justice.
“Justice has taken its course,” Chivayo said, praising the detectives for what he described as professionalism, determination and painstaking investigative work.
He said police officers routinely operated in difficult and dangerous conditions and deserved better resources to protect themselves and the public.
Chivayo described the proposed donation as his personal way of saying thank you for a job well done.
However, the eye-catching package has not yet been approved.
Chivayo said he would be honoured to make the contribution if the authorities grant the necessary permission.
If approved, the donation would represent a significant injection of resources into the CID Homicide unit, combining 10 armoured vehicles, specialised equipment worth US$250 000 and high-end smartphones for its officers.
