Johannesburg – President Cyril Ramaphosa has responded to criticism that he was in the company of a crime suspect during his recent visit to Zimbabwe, saying he did not know who the person was.
Zimbabwean controversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo, who is being investigated in South Africa for possible fraud, was photographed next to President Ramaphosa during his visit to President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s farm in Kwekwe at the weekend.
Chivayo is under investigation in South Africa primarily for suspected fraud and money laundering, and related financial crimes tied to a major Zimbabwe election materials procurement scandal.
The allegations centre on a South African printing company, Ren-Form CC, which supplied election materials, including ballots, and voter management items to Zimbabwe’s Electoral Commission (ZEC) for the 2023 elections.
Zimbabwe’s government/Treasury paid Ren-Form over R1 billion.
However, a large portion – over R800 million – was allegedly rapidly transferred to bank accounts and companies linked to Chivayo.
South Africa’s Financial Intelligence Centre analysed the transactions, flagged them as suspicious, and shared findings with authorities in both countries.
Reports, earlier this year, indicate that the Hawks’ investigation remains active and ongoing, despite Zimbabwe’s anti-corruption agency reportedly closing its parallel probe without finding direct contractual links.
On Sunday, 3 May 2026, Chivayo was seen alongside President Ramaphosa and his Zimbabwean counterpart, President Mnangagwa.
RELATED: DA Blasts GNU Partner, ANC, Over President Ramaphosa’s Zimbabwe Visit – The Bulrushes
Stung by the criticism, President Ramaphosa, through his spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, made it clear he did not know who Chivayo was.
The spokesperson told reporters earlier today, Wednesday, 6 May 2026, that: “The Presidency has noted with concern the reports that have surfaced following the President’s visit to Zimbabwe, identifying an individual who is a person of interest to our law enforcement, who was also present during the visit.
“President Ramaphosa had no prior knowledge of who will be present during the visit, nor was he familiar with the said individual.
“The President flew to Zimbabwe for a meeting with his counterpart and nothing else.
“President Ramaphosa encourages our law enforcement agencies to continue with pursuing the matters that are under investigation involving these individuals and to do so with no fear or hesitation.”
Although he declined to divulge what the leaders discussed during the visit, Magwenya said President Ramaphosa undertook a working visit to Zimbabwe at the invitation of President Mnangagwa.
RELATED: President Ramaphosa’s Visit To Zimbabwe Quashes Coup Rumours – The Bulrushes
“The visit was an opportunity for both heads of state to engage over a wide range of issues of mutual and bilateral interests,” he said.
South Africa and Zimbabwe maintain a deeply historical relationship of bonds formed during their respective struggles against colonialism and apartheid.
The two countries further enjoy a political and dynamic trade relationship. In 2025, South African exports totaled about U$4,30 billion with agricultural products and machinery dominating most traded goods.
Both leaders agreed to retreat to President Mnangagwa’s farm, where they would engage in a relaxed environment and outside of the constraints of Presidential formality and protocol.
“Over and above the planned meeting, President Ramaphosa was interested in learning how President Mnangagwa is assisting local farmers in the area neighboring his farm,” Magwenya said.
