Prophet Uebert Angel has offered to cover up to US$2 million of claims against the estate of the late businessman Wicknell Chivayo, but only for creditors who can "prove beyond reasonable doubt" that they are owed. He did not promise to pay all of Chivayo's debts.

The offer came in a clip of a Sunday sermon that spread on X and was reported by zimDaily, ZimStar, iHarare, The South African and Khanyisile News. "If he gave me two million worth, it is my duty to try and cover two million worth, but you just need to prove beyond reasonable doubt that he owed you," Angel told his congregation.

The South African and iHarare say the sermon was preached on Sunday 25 October. zimDaily, which reported the clip that evening, said it does not show when or where it was recorded.

Two individuals, the rest to the estate

Angel said he was dealing with "two individuals" and expected to meet one of them that week. He said anyone else with a claim should take it to the estate or the courts, and that he had put someone in charge of checking claims. He did not name the creditors or say how much they want.

Zimbo Grapevine has found no evidence that any payment has been made. We also found no response from Chivayo's family or estate to the offer.

What the dealers are said to claim

The offer follows a ZimLive report, relayed by several outlets, that Chivayo died owing three Harare car dealers about US$5.1 million between them. Those figures have not been tested in any court and are disputed. According to zimDaily, citing ZimLive, a representative of one of the dealers, Exquisite Cars, called the amounts greatly exaggerated and said any debt "has been written off". The owner of another dealer declined to comment.

"You insult the dead"

Angel framed the offer as a defence of his late friend's name. He said Chivayo gave away more than US$100 million, against about US$5 million in claimed debts, and told critics: "You insult the dead." Zimbo Grapevine could not confirm the US$100 million figure. ZimLive has put Chivayo's publicly declared gifts at more than US$50 million.

How estate claims work

Chivayo was killed when a helicopter crashed near Marondera on 30 September. His estate has not been wound up. Under Zimbabwe's Administration of Estates Act, an executor must be appointed, and creditors lodge their claims with that executor, who decides which are valid before anything is paid. ZimLive reported that the family was preparing to appoint one.

That process, not a pulpit, is where the dealers' claims will be settled or rejected. Angel has tied any payment he makes to proof "beyond reasonable doubt" that the debt is real, as reported by zimDaily and others.

Why it matters

Chivayo was one of Zimbabwe's best-known businessmen, famous for handing out cars, cash and houses to musicians, pastors and fans. Angel is one of the most prominent figures in the country's church and diaspora circles. How Chivayo's debts are handled will shape his reputation after death, and will be watched by the businesses and diaspora families who deal with Harare's car trade and with the estates of high-profile Zimbabweans.

Sources: zimDaily, 25 Oct 2026: https://www.zimdaily.com/article/news-2026-10-25-angel-chivayo-debts-proof/ · The South African, 26 Oct 2026: https://www.thesouthafrican.com/news/zimbabwe/wicknell-chivayos-unpaid-car-bills-uebert-angel-steps-in/ · ZimStar, 26 Oct 2026: https://zimstarnews.com/2026/10/26/uebert-angel-offers-to-settle-chivhayos-verified-debts/ · iHarare, 27 Oct 2026: https://iharare.com/uebert-angel-offers-us2-million-to-settle-wicknell-chivayos-verified-debts/ · Khanyisile News: https://khanyisilenews.com/national-news/details/409/prophet-uebert-angel-offers-up-to-us2m-to-cover-verified-debts-of-late-businessman-wicknell-chivayo

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