Imprisoned ZANU PF central committee member Mike Chimombe has publicly reaffirmed his support for President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030, saying his conviction has not shaken his loyalty to the party or its long-term development agenda.
Chimombe, who is serving a 12-year sentence at Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison over a US$87 million presidential goat scheme tender scandal, also said he harbours no bitterness towards businessman Wicknell Chivayo, despite their past fallout.
Speaking during an open family week at the prison, Chimombe told NewsDay journalist Blessed Mhlanga that he has instructed his legal team to appeal his conviction at the Supreme Court, expressing confidence that a different outcome could still be achieved.
He said he firmly believes he would never have deliberately sabotaged a programme linked to the President’s vision of transforming Zimbabwe into an upper-middle-income economy by 2030.
“I respect President Mnangagwa deeply and would never steal resources meant to uplift the country and achieve Vision 2030,” Chimombe said, adding that he remains hopeful the judiciary will fairly consider his appeal.
Despite being behind bars, Chimombe insisted his political commitment remains intact. He said time in prison had allowed him to reflect, recalibrate and forgive, even amid allegations that some party colleagues may have contributed to his downfall.
“I remain ZANU PF to the core,” he said. “There is a future ahead of me — a family waiting, party work on hold and a constituency that has been orphaned for two years. When I return, I will serve my country with lessons learnt.”
Chimombe also dismissed claims that his case was politically motivated, noting that courts had acquitted opposition figures in other matters, which he said demonstrated judicial independence.
On his strained relationship with Wicknell Chivayo, Chimombe said he has chosen reconciliation over resentment, stressing that Chivayo was not involved in the case that led to his imprisonment.
“The past two years have been enough healing time,” he said. “We will hug again as brothers. There are no permanent enemies in politics, only shared goals — and Vision 2030 unites us.”
Chimombe added that even while incarcerated, he has been engaging fellow inmates in discussions around nation-building and national development, describing prison itself as “a constituency” where ideas and purpose can still be nurtured.
