"I Have 3 Wives AND 15 Children" Mike Chimombe's Plea vs The State's 35 Years
Court Update: Thursday, 04 Dec 2025 | Charge: US$7.7M Fraud
In a high-stakes mitigation hearing at the Harare High Court, businessman Mike Chimombe played his final cards to avoid a crushing 35-year prison sentence. Citing his responsibility for 15 minor children and three wives, Chimombe offered substantial assets for restitution.
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| Mike Chimombe's Plea vs The State's 35 Years |
However, the State remains unmoved, describing the Presidential Goat Scheme fraud as a crime that "shocks the conscience" by stealing from the poorest of the poor.
The Personal Mitigation
Defense lawyer Arshiel Mugiya painted a picture of a "rags-to-riches" man who made a mistake, not a criminal mastermind.
"He has three wives and 15 minor children," Mugiya told the court. The defense argued that a lengthy incarceration would punish these innocent dependents more than the convict himself.
Chimombe was presented as:
- A first-time offender.
- A diabetic patient requiring care.
- An "un-solicited person" who did not premeditate the offense.
The Offer of Restitution
To reduce jail time, Chimombe has offered to liquidate his property portfolio to repay the state.
BORROWDALE MANSION
Prime Real Estate
Value: US$800,000 (approx. R14.4 Million)
CHINHOYI PROPERTY
Commercial Value
Value: US$120,000 (approx. R2.2 Million)
The State: "Shocking the Conscience"
Prosecutor's Demand: 35 Years
Prosecutor Whisper Mabhaudhi dismissed the mitigation, arguing that the pair frustrated the trial process and showed no genuine remorse.
The government paid ZWL1.6 billion (US$7.7 million) for 85,000 goats. The accused delivered only 4,000 goats.
"This offence shocks the conscience," Mabhaudhi stated. "They stole from the poorest of the poor. There must be a message that if you take government tenders and don’t deliver, there will be consequences."
Mpofu's Apology & The Trust Fund
Co-accused Moses Mpofu took a different route, addressing the President directly.
THE APOLOGY
To The Nation
"I want to say to Zimbabweans: I’m sorry... I also apologise to President Emmerson Mnangagwa."
THE $1.5M HOUSE
Asset Dispute
Mpofu revealed a house but claimed it is locked in a Family Trust and cannot be used.
Mpofu's Defense: "It hurts me because I did not do it. It was Blackdeck [the company]."
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