Online Reporter
Arron Nyamayaro
ONE of the three wives of jailed businessman, Mike Chimombe, has put five properties in Harare, including a commercial stand stretching across 1,5 hectares in Madokero, Harare, up for SALE.
It is unclear whether this is meant to raise money to help Chimombe, who is serving a lengthy jail term after being convicted in a corruption scandal, pay back US$964,000 to the State next month.
The businessman will serve an effective 14-year jail term if he fails to repay US$964,000 to the State by February 26.
Chimombe was slapped with a 17-year jail term and three years were suspended on condition of good behaviour and two years were suspended on condition he pays back US$964,000.
This means, if he meets all the conditions, he will serve an effective 12 years in jail.
The clock is ticking for him to meet the first condition and there is only one month left.
Chimombe told the High Court he has three wives and 15 minor children and is the sole provider for his family.
His partner-in-crime, Moses Mpofu, said he has nine children, eight of whom are still in school.
Chimombe said he was a “rags-to-riches” businessman who owned a house in Borrowdale worth US$800,000 and another one in Chinhoyi worth US$120,000.
He said he also owned vehicles worth about US$200,000 and was ready to make restitution.
He told the court, during his trial, that he used to earn an average of US$15,000 to US$20,000 per month.
One of his wives, Mitchell, has taken to her social media platforms to reveal that she had put five of their properties up for sale.
The social media notice says she is selling a sprawling commercial stand in Madokero, stretching across 1.5 hectares, two residential stands in Sally Mugabe and another two in Crowhill.
Mitchell has made it clear that she only wants cash offers and will not entertain those who want to pay in instalments.
This has sparked speculation that she is desperate for cash to help her husband raise the US$964,000 needed to be paid back to the State by next month.
The cheapest stand is listed at US$14,000, while the commercial stand commands a price of US$200,000, complete with title deeds.
Chimombe and Mpofu were convicted in October for their roles in a corruption scandal which derailed a national programme in which the Government lost US$7,38 million.
They were handed lengthy prison terms of 22 years and 17 years respectively.
