Wicknell Chivayo’s former partner is demanding $25 million, monthly maintenance and luxury assets in a High Court divorce case. The dispute also involves access to their two minor children, with Chivayo seeking a court-regulated arrangement. The matter is ongoing, with both financial and custody issues yet to be decided.
HARARE – Wicknell Chivayo’s former partner has filed court papers demanding a $25 million lump sum payment, $40,000 monthly maintenance and a range of luxury vehicles as part of ongoing divorce proceedings. The claims were presented in the High Court’s Family Division, where the matter remains pending.
According to court documents, Sonja Madzikanda is seeking significant financial support and access to assets she says were accumulated during their relationship. The demands were outlined in summons filed in January 2026 through Mahuni Gidiri Law Chambers.
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The dispute comes amid an urgent chamber application filed by Chivayo, who is seeking access to the couple’s two minor children. He has accused Madzikanda of using the children as leverage to extract money from him, an allegation that forms part of the ongoing legal battle.
The High Court has not yet delivered judgement on the access application. Chivayo is requesting a provisional order that would grant him interim access to the children, including alternating weeks, weekends, half of school holidays, and shared birthdays and public holidays.
In her court filings, Madzikanda argues that the couple entered into a valid customary law marriage around July 17, 2017. She states that lobola was negotiated and paid, and that although the marriage was not formally registered, it falls under the Marriages Act and can only be dissolved by a court.
She further argues that a traditional divorce token, known as gupuro, which was reportedly paid in early 2024, has no legal effect. On that basis, she maintains that the Matrimonial Causes Act applies fully, entitling her to an equitable share of the couple’s assets.
Her financial claims include a once-off lump sum of $25 million and monthly spousal maintenance of $40,000 until she remarries. She is also seeking an annual allocation of $1 million for holidays and entertainment, which she says is necessary for her wellbeing and the upbringing of the children.
In addition, Madzikanda is requesting ownership of several properties, including a stand in Gletwyn Township, a unit at Rikitayi Villas in Ballantyne Park, and an apartment at Davinci Suites in Sandton, Johannesburg. She also wants maintenance of her vehicles to be covered twice a year.
The list of assets she is claiming includes seven vehicles from the alleged marital estate. These include three Rolls Royce models — a Spectre, a Ghost and a Phantom — as well as a Range Rover, a Mercedes-Benz V-Class, a Mercedes-Benz Maybach and a Lexus SUV.
For the children, Madzikanda is seeking full financial support covering education up to tertiary level, all extracurricular activities, unlimited Wi-Fi, international medical insurance and seasonal clothing allowances. She states that these provisions are necessary for their upbringing.
Her court declaration also lists additional properties and business interests she believes form part of the shared estate. These include properties in Avondale, Greystone Park and Alexandra Park, as well as business interests in Intratek ZW, WMC Trading, IMC Communications, Trintas Petroleum and Eldo Pvt Ltd. She also refers to a private jet she believes is owned or controlled by Chivayo.
Madzikanda is further seeking a court order to pierce the veil of the WMC Family Trust, arguing that assets held under the trust should be treated as personal or matrimonial property for purposes of division.
Chivayo, represented by Mpofu Mazhata Chambers, has opposed the claims. His legal team argues that the customary union was not registered within the required 12 months and therefore does not qualify for spousal maintenance or division of assets under the law.
They also argue that Madzikanda terminated the union by paying gupuro, thereby ending any entitlement she might claim. According to the defence, there was no community of property arrangement and no ante-nuptial contract governing the relationship.
Chivayo’s lawyers describe the financial demands as excessive and without legal basis. They argue that Madzikanda did not contribute to the acquisition of the assets and that the estate is solely the result of Chivayo’s business activities.
On spousal maintenance, his lawyer Silvester Hashiti stated that Chivayo has no obligation to support a former partner who voluntarily ended the relationship. “Defendant is not her meal-ticket for life,” the court papers read.
On the issue of custody, Chivayo accepts that the children should remain primarily in Madzikanda’s care. However, he is seeking a structured access arrangement that is regulated by the court rather than dependent on personal agreement.
In his affidavit, Chivayo alleges that he has been repeatedly denied access to the children. He claims that access has only been granted when financial demands are made, which he describes as extortionate.
He cited an incident on February 28, 2026, when he was allegedly denied access. He also claims that he has been blocked from contacting the children by phone, accessing school information and attending their school or social events.
His legal team argues that the situation is urgent because the children are at critical developmental stages. They warn that continued denial of access could lead to parental alienation and long-term emotional harm.
“Lost birthdays, milestones and daily interactions are irrecoverable,” Chivayo said in his affidavit. He maintains that no court order currently restricts his access and that he has no history of abuse or neglect.
Chivayo, who remarried Lucy Muteke in March 2025, says he remains committed to supporting his children both financially and emotionally. The matter remains before the court, with both financial and custody issues yet to be resolved.
