Wicknell Chivayo Withdraws Charges Against Ex-Wife and Mother-in-Law

By Staff Reporter
Businessman Wicknell Chivayo has withdrawn criminal charges against his ex-wife, Sonja Madzikanda, and her mother, Tabitha Madzikanda, bringing an abrupt end to a case that had kept the two in custody for several days.

The pair had been arrested over the weekend and were facing allegations of circulating AI-generated images involving Chivayo and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. They were expected in court for a delayed bail hearing after spending multiple nights in detention.

However, Chivayo later withdrew the charges, reportedly stating that his decision was influenced by concern for the children, who allegedly asked, “Where is mummy?”


The dispute stemmed from claims that digitally manipulated or AI-generated images of Chivayo in connection with high-profile figures were circulated on social media. The allegations led to the arrest of Sonja Madzikanda and her mother on charges related to the alleged distribution of the content.

The case attracted public attention due to the high-profile individuals involved and the growing debate in Zimbabwe about the misuse of AI-generated media and its potential legal consequences.

With the charges now withdrawn, the matter is expected to be removed from the courts, although the wider controversy around the alleged images has already sparked public discussion online.