Maxwell Sangulani Chikumbutso is a self-taught Zimbabwean engineer and inventor who has attracted attention for his claims of developing groundbreaking green energy technologies. Among his asserted inventions are an electric vehicle that purportedly harnesses radio frequencies to generate power, eliminating the need for traditional charging methods. He has also claimed to have developed a helicopter capable of operating on multiple fuel types without engine modifications.
Chikumbutso has stated that his technology converts radio frequencies directly into clean and renewable energy. However, he has encountered challenges in patenting his work, reportedly being informed that his discoveries violate established laws of physics.
Despite these claims, Chikumbutso’s inventions have faced significant skepticism from the scientific community. Critics argue that his assertions contradict fundamental principles of physics, particularly the laws of thermodynamics. For instance, an article from Techzim highlights concerns about the feasibility of his “free energy” claims, noting that such technologies would require rigorous validation and peer review to gain scientific acceptance.
In early 2025, Chikumbutso demonstrated his technology to Zimbabwe’s President, Emmerson Mnangagwa, showcasing a modified electric vehicle equipped with his “Microsonic energy device.” This device allegedly converts radio frequencies into usable energy, allowing the vehicle to operate without conventional charging.
However, subsequent reports have cast doubt on the legitimacy of these inventions. In March 2025, ZimEye reported that investors were demanding refunds after Chikumbutso’s technologies were purportedly exposed as fraudulent. The article details how international investors, who had traveled to Zimbabwe to test the inventions, concluded that the operation was a carefully orchestrated scam.
While Chikumbutso’s claims have garnered media attention and sparked discussions about innovation and energy solutions, it is essential to approach such assertions with critical analysis. The scientific community emphasizes the necessity of empirical evidence and peer-reviewed research to substantiate claims that challenge established physical laws
