BUSINESSMAN Wicknell Chivayo's estranged wife Sonja Madzikanda has filed a staggering claim demanding US$25 million in a high-profile divorce before the High Court.
Court documents reveal that Madzikanda is seeking a comprehensive settlement, including US$40 000 in monthly spousal maintenance, exclusive ownership of high-end properties in Gletwyn, Ballantyne Park, and a Sandton apartment, as well as seven luxury vehicles.
The fleet of vehicles includes a Rolls-Royce Spectre, two Rolls-Royce Ghost, a Rolls-Royce Phantom, a Range Rover, a V-Class Mercedes-Benz and a Mercedes-Benz Maybach.
In addition, Madzikanda has expressed interest in Chivayo’s businesses, including Intratek, WMC Trading, IMC Communications, Trintas Petroleum and Eldo (Pvt) Ltd, along with a private jet.
She is also seeking full coverage for the education, medical care and general upkeep of their children, including an annual US$1 million budget for holidays and entertainment.
In summons filed by Mahuni Gidiri Law Chambers, Madzikanda said she and Chivayo entered into a customary law union in July 2017, supported by the payment of lobola.
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She argued that under the Matrimonial Causes Act, she is entitled to an equitable share of the assets allegedly accumulated during the subsistence of their union.
“Division of all immovable assets acquired by the parties before and during the subsistence of the marriage, with the plaintiff being awarded the sole and exclusive ownership of the following properties: Stand number 1353, Gletwyn Road, Gletwyn Township, Salisbury District; 7.2.2 Unit 4, Rikitayi Villas, 5 Chisolme Road, Ballantyne Park. Harare; 7.2.3 Davinci Suites, Sandton Apartments, Johannesburg, South Africa.
“An order declaring that all the assets held by the WMC Family Trust or any other trust in which assets known or reputed to be the assets of the defendant acquired during the subsistence of the marriage are hereby assets of the defendant, alternatively, joint matrimonial assets and are to be taken into account when determining the extent of the joint estate for the purposes of the claim for the division of the joint estate.”
She also wants Chivayo to service her vehicles twice a year.
“Given the substantial means of the defendant and the lifestyle to which the plaintiff has been accustomed over the years, it is just and equitable that the defendant be ordered to provide maintenance in the amounts as set out hereunder . . . ,” the court papers read.
However, Chivayo, represented by Mpofu Mazhata Chambers, is contesting the claim.
He argued that the union “was never registered” and therefore does not provide a legal basis for spousal maintenance or the division of assets.
His legal team has labelled the demands “frivolous and vexatious,” adding that Chivayo has “no obligation to maintain a woman who voluntarily terminated the union” through the payment of gupuro (divorce token).
He said his enstranged wife’s claim was extortionate.
Chivayo also alleged that Madzikanda has “systematically denied” him access to their two minor children.
He is seeking a provisional order that grants him alternating weekly access, shared holidays and regulated contact with the children.
“The children are presently at critical developmental stages where paternal presence is essential,” he submitted.
“Alienation is a gradual process arising from sustained absence. The longer access is denied, the greater the risk that emotional distance becomes entrenched.”
He added: “I am a fit and proper parent with no history of abuse or neglect. I remain financially supportive and emotionally committed to my children’s welfare.
“There is no evidence that contact with me poses any risk. Granting regulated and undisturbed access, on the other hand, restores balance and equilibrium.
“This matter is urgent because each passing week compounds emotional separation.”
The divorce case is pending before the court.