Of cash, cars and the courts

Genius Kadungure…the of wealth has often been subject to debate.

THEY are associated with flamboyant lifestyles, big cash and fast cars, but a common thread between these Zimbabwean-linked tycoons is that: they have landed in court — one way or the other — in recent times.
From Zunaid Moti to Frank Buyanga, Genius Kadungure to Wicknell Chivayo, these “super rich boys” have not only invested in rare exotic cars such as Bugatti’s, Bentleys and Mercedes saloons, but have been battling various charges ranging from alleged fraud, property fights and tax evasion.
Moti (44)
Despite his connections to powerful people like President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his deputy Constantino Chiwenga, Moti has been wallowing in a German slammer for allegedly swindling a Russian investor Alibek Issaev of Rand 6,6 million in a botched mining deal.
The 44 year-old businessman, who counts among his hot toys a Pagani Zonda, 2018 Mansory Bugatti Veyron Vivere Final Diamond Edition, helicopters and private jets, was waylaid in Munich under an Interpol red notice, which has since been quashed or disowned by the French-based criminal organisation.
And in his typically brash style, Moti has hit back at his tormentors by branding them “mafia elements” and that he had not stolen from anyone. If anything, his one-time allies are the ones who had actually bilked him of a R500 million gemstone or diamond, he claims.
A man who claims to have invested well over $500 million in Zimbabwe, the African Chrome Fields and Moti Group owner is no stranger to court battles and contoversy after hitting the headlines in his South African base following a R1 billion tussle with Absa.
Kadungure (34)
On the other hand, party freak “Ginimbi” has been reeling from a battery of criminal charges ranging from fraud, money laundering and tax evasion.
While the social butterfly was on Tuesday bailed for $1 000, legend has it that Kadungure has been “paying the political dues of a certain group, if not serving as guinea pig ” in Zanu PF’s internecine fights.
With a collection of nearly a dozen cars, the Sankayi Club owner counts amongst his collection a 2016 R11 million Rolls-Royce Wraith, 2017 Bentley Bentayga worth R4 million, two or three Range Rovers, a Bentley Coupe and a blue Mulsanne.
A narcissistic braggard, Kadungure is known for his showy “all-white parties across the world”.
However, his source of wealth has often been subject to debate after another “self-styled tycoon” Wicknell Chivayo accused him of engaging in all manner of commercial crimes, including fuel smuggling. He maintains, though, that he makes his money from gas trading, high-end alcohol imports and other commodities.
As it is, the 34 year-old businessman has not only been stewing in charges that he swindled Chegutu East legislator Dexter Nduna of R1,5 million in a sham mining equipment-supply deal, but has been in court for cheating the tax man to the tune of $9 million.
Originally, the figure had been given as $22 million.
Buyanga (38)
Like Moti, Buyanga has maintained an element — if not aura — of sophistication about his conduct and operations, especially in the way he runs his private affairs and companies.
Even though his name cropped up in court when hundreds of desperate Zimbabweans rushed to the courts to protect themselves from his alleged loan sharking business, it has always been difficult to nail the 38 year-old entrepreneur because he operates through a facade of trusted lieutenants or managers and companies.
A British-born wheeler-dealer, Buyanga says he started his controversial Hamilton Property Holdings with a $20 million seed capital from Nicholas Van Hoogstraten — after cutting his teeth in business at 18.
And from stints in UK bars to a garage, commodity trading venture with his father, and property deals which have landed him in court about 200 times, the flamboyant petrolhead has built himself a fortune that has enabled him to acquire a white Bentley Bentayga V8, a Bugatti Veyron Fbg Hermes, Mulsanne, Ferrari F12 Berlinetta, Rolls Royce Ghost and two Lamborghinis. He also owns an Aston Martin DB9, Bentley Continental, Maserati Granturismo, Mercedes G63 wagon and an SLS among other pricey vehicles.
While Buyanga’s money and investments are mainly in the financial services sector, and property, he has been making waves with his African Medallion Group business and plans to import affordable goodies into Zimbabwe.
As if to prove his mettle and finesse, the highly-ambitious businessman has often been seen in the company of continental presidents and other leaders.
A shrewd but smooth operator, Buyanga was even cleared — by the courts — of a recent property wrangle involving a Harare man Stephen Nyoka and East Rivet Investments.
Chivayo (36)
Having been shackled in the early 2000s, the rotund businessman has been hauled over the coals for a number of legal cases, including Intratrek Zimbabwe (Intratrek)’s alleged fraudulent means of acquiring $5 million from the Zimbabwe Power Company.
A social media fiend and braggard, Chivayo has an impressive fleet of cars including a Mercedes S63 sedan, Range Rover and GL350 sports uitlity.
While he has been in and out of the courts on money laundering, and exchange control violation charges, the High Court ruled — when granting him bail — that the state had a weak case against him.
A ‘tenderpreneur’in the making, the 36 year-old businessman has gained notoriety with his social media posts and penchant for expensive apparel, and first-class travel.
With a fetish for shoes, Chivayo has never apologised for his love for the good and finer things in life.
But as Zimbabweans admire the jet-setting life of these high-fliers — in the midst of a lifestyle audit by Mnangagwa’s government — their thoughts are probably also not lost on the view or fact that: where there is money there is blood, and the law!
newsdesk@fingaz.co.zw