By Nigel Pfunde
HARARE — Incarcerated businessman Mike Chimombe has reportedly submitted an urgent formal request to the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS) requesting temporary compassionate leave to attend the funeral of his former business associate, Wicknell Chivayo, following his death in a helicopter crash in Marondera.
Chimombe, currently serving a prison sentence at Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison for fraud involving state contracts, reportedly submitted the application through his legal representatives, pleading for permission under armed ZPCS escort to pay his final respects at Chivayo’s burial.
The plea is a final chapter in a fractured relationship that once dominated Zimbabwe’s corporate and political spotlight. Chimombe and Chivayo were previously key allies in major tender deals, including a controversial multi-million dollar supply contract that caused widespread scrutiny.
However, the pair suffered an acrimonious fallout over the distribution of millions of dollars in proceeds, leading to leaked audio recordings and mutual accusations of betrayal.
Shortly after the public rift, law enforcement agencies launched investigations into Chimombe’s dealings, culminating in his arrest and conviction. Prior to Chivayo’s sudden death, Chimombe and his inner circle routinely cited Chivayo as the primary architect behind the arrest, alleging that his former associate orchestrated his downfall to consolidate control over state contract pipelines.
Despite the bitter history, Chimombe’s petition was on basis of ashared personal history and traditional customs, arguing that traditional values regarding death superceded past grievances.
