Former Zimbabwe Warriors striker Shingi Kawondera has made explosive allegations against the late socialite and businessman Genius “Ginimbi” Kadungure, claiming he was defrauded of a significant sum of money in a gas business they once shared.
Kawondera alleges that Ginimbi forged company documents to unlawfully force him out of the venture, robbing him of what he says was his financial lifeline after retiring from professional football.
Kawondera, once a household name in Zimbabwean football, claimed that Ginimbi forged company documents to unlawfully remove him from a joint gas venture that was expected to secure both parties significant financial returns.
According to Kawondera, the business had initially been set up in good faith, but he alleges that Ginimbi manipulated records behind the scenes to cut him out of the profits.
“I lost a fortune. That business was supposed to secure my future after football, but I was played,” Kawondera lamented in a recent interview. His allegations have sent shockwaves across social media, especially as they involve the late Ginimbi, a figure known for his flashy lifestyle, fast cars, and headline-grabbing parties.
Ginimbi, who tragically died in a car accident in November 2020, built his empire on the back of a successful gas trading business. His death left many questions unanswered, and Kawondera’s claims now add another layer of controversy to his legacy. Unfortunately, with Ginimbi no longer alive, the public may never hear his side of the story.
The connection between the two men goes beyond business. Kawondera was once married to Mary Mubaiwa—a former model and ex-wife of Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, who also had close ties to Ginimbi. Some observers suggest that personal and family links may have influenced the business dealings between Kawondera and Ginimbi.
During his footballing prime, Kawondera amassed a considerable fortune. He played for several top clubs abroad, including Poland’s Górnik Zabrze, Cyprus’s AEP Paphos and AEK Larnaca, Turkey’s Gaziantepspor, and South Africa’s SuperSport United. He was also a key player for Zimbabwe’s national team during the early 2000s.
However, like many former athletes, life after football has not been kind. Reports of financial challenges and personal struggles have surfaced in recent years. His ex-wife Mary Mubaiwa has also faced legal and health challenges, while Ginimbi’s estate has been the subject of family wrangles and court battles since his death.
Kawondera’s claims now shine a light on the often murky world of informal business dealings and the vulnerability of athletes transitioning out of sport. With no legal closure and the primary accused no longer alive, the truth may remain elusive—but for Kawondera, the pain and loss are very real.
