Reply to thread

Message: [QUOTE="Munyaradzi Mafaro, post: 82179, member: 636"] A government guy got locked up for scamming a goat scheme. Mike Chimombe, a ZANU-PF bigwig, is doing twelve years at Chikurubi prison. He was convicted of fraud involving a national goat farming contract worth eighty-seven million dollars. His partner, Moses Mpofu, is also inside. Chimombe insists he is innocent and plans to appeal. He told an interviewer he expected to walk free. Chimombe said his legal team was confident. He claimed the company Blackdeck Private Limited was ready to meet all obligations. The convicted man expressed total respect for President Emmerson Mnangagwa. He stated he would never steal from a Vision 2030 project. Chimombe argued his life was beginning, not ending. He has lawyers preparing a Supreme Court challenge. He believes a different court will see the case his way. The prisoner refused to discuss case details on advice from counsel. He expressed faith in the judicial system to be fair. He would not confirm if the case had political motives. Chimombe pointed to opposition figure Job Sikhala's acquittal as evidence. He suggested justice moves slowly but arrives eventually. The interviewer asked about his ZANU PF colleagues apparently jailing him. Chimombe declared his party loyalty remains absolute. He spoke of two years of reflection and contrition. Chimombe said he would let bygones be bygones. He mentioned his waiting family and stalled political business. The inmate said prison itself is a constituency for his work. He claimed to be pushing national building even behind bars. Questions about a fallout with businessman Wicknell Chivayo were dismissed. Chimombe stated his trial had no connection to Chivayo. He called for a fresh start and a brotherly hug eventually. The prisoner affirmed that no permanent enemies exist in politics. He said unity for Vision 2030 was the ultimate goal. Chimombe endorsed the party conference resolution from his cell. He referenced following the Mutare conference virtually. The resolution extended President Mnangagwa's term in office. He leads an Economic Empowerment Group patronized by the president. Chimombe renewed his Vision 2030 commitment from prison. He described moving from Harare Remand to maximum security. Chimombe acknowledged prison overcrowding as an issue. He credited the officer in charge with focusing on rehabilitation. The inmate said it was not a hotel, but efforts were made. He feels the administration treats them as more than condemned men. Regarding food, he said they get three daily meals. These include bread and porridge with peanut butter. People outside say he looks healthier in prison. Chimombe attributed this to public misunderstanding of prison life. He noted his own past ignorance before being incarcerated. He explained the profound importance of freedom. Chimombe said they made the best of their situation. Support from friends and family helped him through. The inmate started a tree nursery project to fight deforestation. He emphasized never stopping planning despite setbacks. A court order demands repayment of the defrauded funds. Chimombe said they have appealed that judgment. [/QUOTE]

Name