Businessmen Mike Chimombe and Moses Mpofu to Spend Christmas in Custody Amid US$7.7 Million Fraud Allegations
Prominent Zimbabwean businessmen Mike Chimombe and Moses Mpofu will remain incarcerated over the Christmas period, with their bail application hearing scheduled for January 17, 2025. The duo faces serious fraud charges, accused of embezzling US$7.7 million from the Presidential Goat Pass-On Scheme, a government initiative aimed at boosting livestock production among rural communities.
Allegations and Legal Proceedings
Chimombe and Mpofu are alleged to have forged documents, including a Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) tax clearance certificate and a National Social Security Authority (NSSA) compliance certificate, to secure a government tender for supplying goats under the Presidential Goat Pass-On Scheme. The contract, valued at US$87,757,168, required the delivery of 632,001 goats over five years. However, investigations revealed that the pair delivered only a fraction of the agreed number, with reports indicating that out of 86,000 goats paid for, only 6,978 were supplied
The alleged misappropriation of funds has not only led to legal challenges for Chimombe and Mpofu but has also reportedly impacted the effectiveness of the Presidential Goat Pass-On Scheme, a program designed to enhance household earnings and resilience in rural areas.
Bail Application and Constitutional Challenges
The defendants’ legal team is advocating for an expedited bail hearing, citing new developments that they argue justify their clients’ release. However, earlier this month, Justice Pisirayi Kwenda dismissed their application to refer the matter to the Constitutional Court, describing it as “frivolous and vexatious.” The defense had claimed that their arrest and detention violated constitutional rights, but the court found these assertions to be without merit
Trial Schedule
Initially set for October, the trial faced delays due to the Constitutional Court referral application. With that issue now resolved, the trial is scheduled to commence on February 10, 2025, pending any further interruptions. The court has emphasized the need for both the defense and prosecution to be adequately prepared to proceed without additional delays
Impact on the Presidential Goat Pass-On Scheme
The Presidential Goat Pass-On Scheme aims to distribute 632,000 goats of improved genetics across Zimbabwe, targeting 35,000 villages to enhance livestock production and household incomes
The alleged fraud by Chimombe and Mpofu has reportedly hindered the program’s progress, affecting its potential benefits to rural communities.
Public and Government Response
The case has attracted significant public attention, with calls for stringent measures against corruption. The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) has been actively involved in investigating the matter, underscoring the government’s commitment to addressing corruption and ensuring the integrity of national development programs
Conclusion
As the legal proceedings continue, the outcome of this high-profile case is anticipated to have broader implications for government procurement processes and anti-corruption efforts in Zimbabwe. The business community and the public alike are closely monitoring developments, particularly concerning the enforcement of legal and ethical standards in public resource management.
