Struggling Father Of Six Offers To Serve Mike Chimombe’s Jail Sentence
A man in Harare, struggling to provide for his family, has said he would rather go to jail and serve the prison sentence handed to businessman Mike Chimombe.
Chimombe was convicted in October 2025 over fraud linked to the government’s US$7 million Presidential Goat Pass‑On Scheme, in which he and his business partner, Moses Mpofu, were found to have defrauded the State by misusing funds for a livestock contract that was largely never delivered.
In December 2025, the High Court in Harare sentenced Chimombe to 17 years in prison, with five years suspended, three on condition of good behaviour and two contingent on repayment of restitution, leaving him with an effective 12‑year term. He was also ordered to repay nearly US$964,000.
Speaking to H-Metro, 48-year-old Lawrence Shingie Dhairo, a father of six, said poverty had forced him to move in with his in-laws, adding to his sense of shame and desperation. He said:
“My life has become miserable, and I believe it is better to save those in prison who are capable of working and providing for others.
“I am barely managing to provide for my family.
“We are currently living at my in-laws’ house, which adds to my concerns.
“I want to believe that there are convicted individuals who have repented and could contribute positively to society if given another chance.
“It’s a bad situation, my friend. It’s better if Chimombe [and Moses Mpofu] are released so that I can go and conclude their sentence, if that is permitted.”
Dhairo said he was also keen to speak with Chimombe in person and is willing to serve time at Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison if the authorities permit it.
