Harare – Controversial businessman Wicknel Chivayo has withdrawn criminal charges against his ex-wife Sonja Madzikanda and ex-mother-in-law Thabitha Madzikanda.
Chivayo had reported Sonja and Thabitha on cyber-bullying and fraud charges.
The Madzikandas spent two nights in custody before they were released on Friday.
Chivayo told journalists outside the Harare magistrate that he withdrew the charges as he has forgiven Sonja and Thabitha but said he is glad they ‘suffered’ during their incarceration.
Chivayo a controversial figure in Zimbabwe last month paid US$5 million in divorce settlement to Sonja.
Media reports said Chivayo was alerted to allegations that Tabitha Madzikanda, a FBC bank manager and other bank officials connived to remove Chivayo as a signatory from an account which held investment funds for his two children.
The former mother-in-law to the controversial businessman allegedly attempted to transfer US$1.4 million from Chivayo’s children’s investment account without his approval.
The other charge related to a photo which is circulating on social media which had Chivayo sitting with South Africa. President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Chivayo is reportedly alleging the photo is artificially generated.
Chivayo, a key ally of President Emmerson Mnangagwa has been dishing out hundreds of cars and cash which runs to millions to whoever he wishes to give.
The unprecedented donations have been received with shock and anger amongst the Zimbabwe population where economic hardships are prevalent.
Chivayo walked with Ramaphosa when the South African leader visited Zimbabwe something that angered South Africans who view the businessman as a ‘criminal’.