Malcolm X and Barbz support Zim 'blesser' Ginimbi amidst tax evasion charges

Local celebs including Malcolm X and Babalwa Mneno have come out in defence of Zimbabwean "blesser" Genius "Ginimbi" Kadungure, after the businessman was arrested for alleged tax evasion.

According to TimesLIVE Ginimbi, who has become known across Southern Africa for his flashy lifestyle was nabbed for tax evasion over a period of nine years over the weekend. It is alleged that he owes the tax man at least US$22m (R3.8-billion). He has denied the charges.

Zimbabwean news publication Daily News reported that Ginimbi was remanded in custody on Friday and spent the weekend in jail. He was released on US$1,000 (R14,000) bail by a Harare High Court judge on Tuesday afternoon.

Star FM Zimbabwe claimed that while in prison Ginimbi arranged that bail be paid for 50 prisoners who could not afford to pay the amounts they owed.

Ginimbi's arrest has sparked a raging debate across Southern Africa, with some welcoming his arrest, while others showed him support under the hashtag #FreeGinimbi.

South African businesswoman and socialite Babalwa responded to the reports of Ginimbi's arrest by calling for him to be freed.

"This is how I am. My friends are my friends in public as they are in private. This man is a good friend to me. (He) has the kindest heart and look at what he did paying bail fees for those that couldn't afford it! I pray justice is served and not political scores settled #FreeGinimbi. Let justice prevail."

Barbz' sentiment was echoed by businessman and 'the peoples' blesser' Malcolm X who referred to Ginimbi as "king" in a post calling for his release.

He claimed that Ginimbi was "innocent until proven guilty" and hit back at suggestions that Ginimbi did not know what to do with his money in  "one of the poorest countries in the world."

"He knows exactly what to do with it, hence he used it to give freedom to those who couldn’t pay bail. Poor country? In Zimbabwe, they own everything that’s there. In a 'rich South Africa'. You and I don’t own these 'riches'."

Malcolm X later celebrated the news of Ginimbi's bail by simply exclaiming: "Ginimbi’s home! I told you so."