Mike Chimombe: The Controversial Journey of Zimbabwe’s Boss Mike
Mike Chimombe, popularly known as Boss Mike, is a high-profile Zimbabwean businessman, ZANU-PF official, and socialite whose name has long been associated with wealth, power, and controversy. His story — defined by political connections, family complexities, and headline-making legal battles — reached a turning point in October 2025 with his conviction for fraud.
The Fall: Guilty of Fraud
On October 22, 2025, Mike Chimombe and his business partner, Moses Mpofu, were found guilty of fraud and money laundering by High Court Judge Justice Pisirayi Kwenda. The conviction stemmed from their involvement in the botched Presidential Goat Pass-On Scheme.
Their company, Black Deck Private Limited, was awarded a tender to supply goats but pocketed an advance of over US$7 million while failing to deliver. After multiple denied bail applications since their arrest in June 2024, they were remanded in custody pending sentencing, which could be up to 20 years in prison.
A Life of Contradictions
As the President of the Economic Empowerment Group (EEG) and a ZANU-PF official with past positions in the youth league, Chimombe has been a significant figure in political and business circles. He is also the nephew of prominent businessman Phillip Chiyangwa.
Educationally, Chimombe attended Nemakonde High School before obtaining a Bachelor's Degree in Law from the University of Lesotho. He also holds a Master's degree specializing in Women's Law from the University of Zimbabwe and has previously worked as a Public Prosecutor and Legal Officer.
Chimombe is a father to 13 children from different mothers. He is publicly known to be married to two sisters, Mitchell Rusero and her younger sister, Panashe, whom he reportedly impregnated, causing family turmoil. Despite these complexities, he has been noted for fostering a unique bond among his children, ensuring they grow up together.
Other Legal Issues & Controversies
Before his conviction, Chimombe and Mpofu had a public fallout with fellow businessman Wicknell Chivhayo over a tender involving the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC), accusing Chivhayo of fraud.
In July 2024, during the period the alleged goat scheme fraud took place, reports surfaced accusing Chimombe of flaunting wealth from stolen public funds, including an incident where he allegedly poured expensive champagne over his luxury watch.
A separate fraud case against Chimombe and Mpofu related to a Harare City Council lighting tender was withdrawn by the state, though the charges in the goat scheme ultimately led to their conviction.
Frequently Asked Questions
He was found guilty of fraud and money laundering on October 22, 2025, for defrauding the Zimbabwean government of over US$7 million in a failed tender to supply 600,000 goats for the Presidential Goat Scheme.
His business partner and co-director of Black Deck Private Limited, Moses Mpofu, was convicted on the same charges.
Sentencing is scheduled for October 31, 2025. While the exact sentence is pending, a potential sentence for such a crime could be up to 20 years in prison.
He is a ZANU-PF official and serves as the President of the Economic Empowerment Group (EEG), an affiliate of the ruling party. He also held past positions within the Zanu PF national youth league.
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