Three car dealerships in Harare are reportedly owed a combined US$5.1 million, equivalent to approximately R83.76 million, for vehicles supplied to the late Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo.
An investigation published by ZimLive identified Faramatsi Motors, Exquisite Cars and Enterprise Car Sales as businesses with outstanding balances linked to vehicles supplied to Chivayo.
The reported debts have come to light as arrangements are being made to administer his estate following his death in a helicopter crash near Marondera on 30 September. His wife, Lucy Muteke, also died in the crash.
Faramatsi Motors Has the Largest Reported Claim
According to the ZimLive investigation, Faramatsi Motors has the largest reported outstanding balance, at US$2.4 million, or approximately R39.46 million.
Exquisite Cars is reportedly owed US$1.4 million, equivalent to around R23.02 million, while Enterprise Car Sales has an outstanding balance of US$1.3 million, or approximately R21.38 million.
Together, the three reported amounts total US$5.1 million.
However, the figures have not been accepted by all the dealerships involved.
Exquisite Cars owner Victor Vikela told ZimLive that the amount reportedly owed to his company had been greatly exaggerated. He also said any outstanding amount owed by Chivayo had been written off.
Faramatsi Motors owner Matsika declined to discuss individual customer transactions, citing confidentiality. Enterprise Car Sales owner Madzibaba Tendai Chipanga could not be reached for comment at the time of publication.
Credit Arrangements Reportedly Allowed Vehicles to Be Collected Before Payment
Reports indicate that Chivayo used credit arrangements under which he could collect vehicles from dealerships and settle the bills later, typically within three months.
Payments were reportedly linked to when government funds were disbursed to his businesses.
The arrangements allowed vehicles to be released before the full amounts had been paid, according to the reports.
Chivayo became widely known in Zimbabwe for announcing gifts of luxury vehicles to musicians, religious leaders, public figures and other beneficiaries. Recipients were often directed to dealerships to collect the vehicles.
The reported outstanding balances have prompted questions about how payments for some of the vehicles associated with these high-profile giveaways were handled.
South African Dealers Also Reportedly Seeking Payment
The financial issues linked to Chivayo’s vehicle purchases are not limited to the three Harare dealerships.
Reports indicate that car dealers in South Africa were also seeking to recover money for vehicles released before full payment had been received.
Some vehicles were reportedly stranded at the Beitbridge border post because customs duties had not been fully paid.
The reports have not established the total amount owed to all dealers or the full extent of the liabilities associated with Chivayo’s estate.
Full Extent of Estate Liabilities Remains Unclear
The reported vehicle debts are among the financial matters that may need to be addressed during the administration of Chivayo’s estate.
While ZimLive identified the three Harare dealerships and the amounts allegedly outstanding, Exquisite Cars has disputed the reported figure associated with its business.
The full extent of the estate’s liabilities, including any outstanding payments to other vehicle suppliers, has not been publicly established.
