The administration of Wicknell Chivayo’s estate could face competing financial claims involving millions of dollars, with three vehicle dealerships reportedly owed US$5.1 million and a multimillion-dollar mansion in Harare caught in an unresolved property transaction.

The claims are emerging as the family of the late businessman prepares to appoint an executor to establish the extent of his assets, liabilities and outstanding commercial obligations following his death in a helicopter crash on September 30.

Chivayo died alongside his wife, Lucy Muteke, near Marondera, leaving behind business interests associated with government contracts worth nearly US$1 billion, an international property portfolio and a public legacy built around extravagant donations and luxury vehicle giveaways.

But the reported debts suggest that at least some of the transactions behind his high-profile spending involved credit arrangements rather than immediate full payment.

According to information obtained by ZimLive from sources familiar with the dealings, Exquisite Cars, Enterprise Car Sales and Faramatsi Motors are collectively owed approximately US$5.1 million.

Faramatsi Motors accounts for the largest reported amount at US$2.4 million, followed by Exquisite Cars at US$1.4 million and Enterprise Car Sales at US$1.3 million.

A source familiar with the arrangements said Chivayo was permitted to collect vehicles and settle invoices later, generally within three months. Payments were linked to the timing of government disbursements, the source said.

“Most of his income came from the government. So these payments to the car dealers followed cycles of disbursements by the treasury, and the car dealers were comfortable with their arrangement,” the source told the publication.

The dealerships have, however, been cautious about discussing the transactions publicly.

Exquisite Cars proprietor Victor Vikela said the reported figures were greatly exaggerated and indicated that any outstanding amount owed to his business had been written off.

Faramatsi Motors owner Matsika, who also owns Doves Funeral Services, declined to disclose details, citing confidentiality obligations. Enterprise Car Sales owner Madzibaba Tendai Chipanga could not be reached for comment.

The reported liabilities are not limited to local dealerships. Reports that South African vehicle suppliers were also seeking payment for cars released before full settlement, with some vehicles reportedly held at Beitbridge because customs duties remained unpaid.

The financial questions surrounding Chivayo's estate extend to his Gletwyn mansion, where a property purchase dating back to 2017 may require resolution.

Chivayo agreed to buy the property from former police commissioner-general Augustine Chihuri for US$2.555 million, according to a sale agreement. The estate covers four adjoining stands measuring a combined 11.5 hectares.

Under the agreement, Chivayo was required to pay US$1 million upfront and settle the remaining US$1.555 million within 12 months. Failure to pay the balance within that period would render the agreement “null and void and of no effect.”

The transaction also required full settlement of transfer costs, stamp duty and obligations to the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority before ownership could be transferred from Chihuri's True Hope Trust to Chivayo's WMC Family Trust.

A lawyer familiar with the transaction told the publication that Zimra assessed the property at US$7 million for capital gains tax purposes, producing a potential US$1.4 million liability at the applicable 20 percent rate.

Chihuri reportedly objected to the tax burden because the agreed selling price was considerably lower than the tax authority's valuation. Chivayo is said to have offered to meet the tax bill, but the transfer was never completed.

The unresolved transaction could leave the executor facing a dispute over whether the property forms part of Chivayo's estate or whether Chihuri can reclaim it.

A legal expert cited said Chihuri could seek to treat Chivayo's part-payment as rent rather than money paid towards the purchase, potentially strengthening a claim to recover the property. The ultimate position would depend on the agreement and the legal resolution of the dispute.

Beyond the dealership debts and mansion, the executor will have to establish the financial position of Chivayo's companies, including IMC Communications, Intratrek and TTM Global Medical Exports.

The businesses held government contracts worth nearly US$1 billion. Chivayo had been central to their operations and used his political connections to secure lucrative contracts, many reportedly awarded without competitive bidding.

His death leaves questions about the future management of the companies, the obligations attached to their contracts and the extent to which their assets and liabilities are separate from his personal estate.

Other high-value holdings could also feature in the estate assessment. Chivayo was reportedly close to completing the purchase of a property in England valued at US$12 million shortly before his death, and had claimed ownership of properties in Dubai, Eswatini, Johannesburg and Cape Town.

His Gulfstream G550 private jet, which he valued at US$34 million, departed Zimbabwe on October 18 and landed in Basel, Switzerland. The circumstances surrounding the aircraft's relocation, including who authorised it and under what arrangements, remain unclear.

Chivayo had publicly claimed to have given away more than US$100 million, while his declared gifts exceeded US$50 million. His public profile was closely associated with distributing luxury vehicles and cash to prominent individuals and institutions, particularly churches.