Security Guards Fired for ‘Wicknell Fever’ – Fans, Chaos & an Unplanned Escort
Two Safeguard security guards have been sacked after unexpectedly turning into bodyguards for businessman and socialite Wicknell Chivayo, who was mobbed by an excited crowd outside a Harare bank.
The guards, Gunner Chitsatsva and his colleague, identified only as Zvirawa, were dismissed for what their employer deemed “unprofessional behavior”, after footage of the incident went viral on social media.
According to H-Metro, Chivayo—who is known for his flashy lifestyle and generous giveaways—had just finished his business inside the bank when a frenzy erupted outside.
A crowd, seemingly drawn by his larger-than-life presence, swarmed his luxury vehicle, hoping for anything from cash handouts to a simple selfie.
Wearing a white T-shirt and khaki shorts, which many speculated was his church attire, Chivayo was ushered through a back exit to avoid the chaos.
However, the crowd quickly spotted him and surged towards his car.
The two security guards, perhaps caught up in the excitement or merely trying to control the scene, ended up flanking Chivayo like VIP escorts—a move that didn’t sit well with their employers.
Safeguard’s manager, Gwatidzo, confirmed that the two were dismissed because their actions created the impression that the company was officially providing security to Chivayo.
“As a company, we do not have a contract with Wicknell Chivayo, and our employees had no right to act as his security detail.
“They were supposed to be manning the premises, not following a businessman like his personal guards,” said Gwatidzo.
He added that the viral video tarnished the company’s image, as the guards were in full uniform, making it seem like a staged escort operation.
One of the dismissed guards’ wives expressed frustration, blaming social media speculation for her husband’s predicament.
“People assumed my husband and his colleague were paid by Chivayo, but they didn’t receive a cent! They were only trying to manage the crowd and protect him from being overwhelmed,” she told H-Metro.
She lamented that their household is now struggling due to the dismissal: “Now, our children are suffering for what was simply a misunderstanding.”
The guards have not responded to media inquiries, but their story serves as a cautionary tale—getting caught up in the “Wicknell Effect” might just cost you your job!
