Maxwell Chikumbutso Sangulani, a self-styled inventor and entrepreneur, has a controversial past, including a period at Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison. He recently appeared before President Emmerson Mnangagwa at State House, showcasing his alleged groundbreaking inventions, such as vehicles and motorbikes he claims run on radio waves.
In 2018, Chikumbutso was arrested on six charges of armed robbery alongside five others. He denied involvement in the crimes during his bail hearing, where his lawyer, Admire Rubaya, argued for his release. Chikumbutso presented himself as the owner of a successful company known for pioneering new technologies. He claimed to have substantial assets, but failed to provide any evidence, such as property title deeds, to support his assertions.
The state opposed his bail, citing a firearm found in the vehicle of one of his co-accused, which was allegedly linked to him. Justice Roger Manyangadze Foroma denied bail, stating that there was insufficient evidence to prove the firearm’s possession was innocent.
The trial resumed in 2021, but several of Chikumbutso’s co-accused had passed away, leaving only three individuals to stand trial. The group had been accused of robbing Murefu Service Station in Harare.
Public figures, including ZANU PF activist Kudzai Mutisi, criticized the promotion of Chikumbutso’s inventions by government departments. Mutisi called for the removal of social media posts praising Chikumbutso, questioning the scientific validity of his claims. Journalist Hopewell Chin’ono also mocked the event, suggesting that President Mnangagwa was misled into supporting fraudulent claims.
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