ZRP Denies Issuing Statement On Chivayo Arrest By Hawks

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has denied issuing a statement purportedly condemning South Africa’s Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, commonly known as the Hawks, over the arrest of Joachim Chivayo.

The fake statement, dated 25 February 2026, emerged following reports that Joachim “G6” Chivayo and Ayanda Brian Gungwa, also known as Pharoah in Zimbabwe, had been declared wanted by the Hawks after failing to appear in court over a R15 million gold case.

Joachim and Ayanda are brothers of Wicknell Chivayo, the controversial businessman and ally of President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

The pair were arrested in 2024 during a Hawks operation in Brakpan, South Africa, when they were found in possession of six bars of unwrought gold valued at around R15 million.

On Wednesday, 25 February, the ZRP issued a clarification, saying they had not released any statement regarding Chivayo. The statement reads:

“The ZRP advises the public that the police has not issued any statement concerning Joachim Chivayo or any member of Chivayo family.

“The statement circulating on social media is therefore fake and false. It has nothing to do with the ZRP.

“The law will take its course on individuals or groups spreading false information and committing criminal acts by issuing false statements.”

Below is the purported statement that circulated online, which the ZRP has since clarified was not issued by the police:

“Zimbabwe Republic Police have noted with concern the story of Zanu PF deputy secretary for information and publicity in Harare province, Joachim Chivayo, also known as G6, who is wanted by South African authorities.

“We are aware that the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, commonly known as the Hawks, issued a warrant of arrest for Chivayo after he failed to appear in a Gauteng court following his release on bail in a R15 million gold case.

“Mr Chivayo is a very close associate of President Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa and given this association, we would expect Hawks to deal with this matter cautiously.

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police and the people of Zimbabwe condemn the persecution of President Mnangagwa’s frontmen in foreign land.”

Related:

South African Police Say No Active Investigation Into Wicknell Chivayo SA Government Official Says Chivayo Was Mnangagwa’s Guest, Not Ramaphosa’s