Opulence and extravagance marked the life of Zimbabwean socialite and businessman Genius “Ginimbi” Kadungure, and his final resting place is no different. Over the weekend, friends and family gathered at his Domboshava homestead to unveil a luxurious million-dollar mausoleum. The glass-fronted structure, adorned with Versace finishes, is a grand tribute to the flamboyant socialite, who passed away in a tragic accident in 2020.
Ginimbi’s death, at just 36 years old, shocked many. On November 8, 2020, he was involved in a high-speed car accident on Borrowdale Road while returning from a birthday celebration for his friend Moana. The accident occurred around 5 AM, when Ginimbi’s Rolls Royce collided with a Honda Fit. The impact sent the Rolls Royce off the road, causing it to crash into a tree and burst into flames. Ginimbi and three others—Moana, Karim, and Elisha—perished in the fiery wreckage, while the passengers of the Honda Fit escaped with minor injuries.
Eyewitness Danny Kuwanga recalled the horrific scene. “It happened right in front of me. Ginimbi was speeding, and after overtaking me, he tried to pass another car, but that’s when he crashed into the Honda Fit,” Kuwanga said. He and others managed to pull Ginimbi from the burning vehicle, but tragically, the women inside the car could not be saved. “The girls were crying inside, but we couldn’t do anything,” he added.
The unveiling of Ginimbi’s extravagant tombstone, four years after his death, was a poignant moment for many. Among those in attendance was Serge Cabonge, a South African self-proclaimed retired “blesser.” A close family friend, known as Amai, spoke of Ginimbi’s legacy: “He was a huge loss to everyone. He loved people and lived life to the fullest. He worked hard and played even harder.”https://twitter.com/DandaroOnline/status/1847683476935332251?s=19
Despite his fame and flamboyant lifestyle, Ginimbi’s wealth has long been the subject of speculation. His businesses included a successful LP gas company and the popular Dreams nightclub, but rumors of “juju” (blood money) and political connections often followed him. These allegations were denied by his close friends, who insisted that Ginimbi’s success was the result of his entrepreneurial spirit. One of his associates, Ronald Muzambe, highlighted Ginimbi’s humble beginnings, revealing that he started his journey by selling vegetables in town before branching into gas trading and other ventures across Southern Africa.
Muzambe also shed light on Ginimbi’s international business interests, including companies in Botswana. “His assets and businesses were visible to everyone. He was one of the earliest resellers of LPG gas in Zimbabwe, and his companies in Botswana were equally successful,” he stated.
However, Ginimbi’s life was not without controversy. Before his death, he faced several legal battles, including accusations of fraud involving R1.5 million from a former Zimbabwean MP, Dexter Nduna, and a Kadoma-based miner. Additionally, South African business tycoon Mutumwa Mawere threatened to take legal action over an alleged unpaid debt of R340,000, a claim Ginimbi denied.https://twitter.com/DandaroOnline/status/1847895950531924194?s=19
One of the most significant controversies surrounding Ginimbi involved the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA), which accused him of tax evasion related to the illegal importation of luxury vehicles, including his Rolls Royce and Lamborghini. Zimbabwe’s Prosecutor-General at the time, Kumbirai Hodzi, confirmed that investigations revealed Ginimbi had underpaid duties when bringing these high-end cars into the country. “We have evidence from South Africa of how much he paid for the cars and how much he undervalued them when importing them into Zimbabwe,” Hodzi explained.
Ginimbi’s Instagram posts, followed by over 600,000 people, provided a glimpse into his lavish lifestyle. His final post, a video taken before his tragic accident, showed him preparing for a night out. “It’s gonna be champagne showers tonight,” he declared, stepping into his Rolls Royce. Little did anyone know it would be his final ride.
As the years pass, Ginimbi’s memory remains as vivid as ever, with his luxurious mausoleum standing as a reminder of his flamboyant lifestyle. Yet, questions about the origins of his wealth and the controversies he faced linger, casting a shadow over his legacy.