HARARE – Lawyers representing Moses Mpofu and Mike Chimombe, two local businessmen embroiled in the US$88 million goat corruption scandal, have presented their clients to the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) to assist with ongoing investigations.
According to their lawyers, the duo is willing to cooperate with the probe and will be available for interviews whenever required, as long as they remain within the country’s jurisdiction.
“We have just presented our clients to the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission. They promised to call us when they needed us. They are willing to assist with any investigation,” one of the accused’s lawyers said.
A recent memorandum from ZACC dated June 7, 2024, has exposed a shocking scandal involving the alleged theft of US$40 million meant for the Presidential Goats Scheme. Mpofu and Chimombe are accused of siphoning off the funds to purchase luxurious houses and vehicles instead of supplying goats to underprivileged households.
The memo reveals that the Government of Zimbabwe entered into a contract with Blackdeck Livestock and Poultry Farming, represented by Moses Mpofu, on November 16, 2021, to supply and deliver 632,001 worth US$87,757,168.00 goats over five years.
However, investigations have revealed that Blackdeck Livestock and Poultry Farming is not a registered company in Zimbabwe, and instead, the funds were transferred into the account of Blackdeck Private Limited, which is registered with two directors, Moses Mpofu and Phinas Hazvineyi Kabisira.
The Ministry of Lands transferred a total of ZWL1.6 billion (US$7,712,197.10) into Blackdeck’s CABS bank account in two installments. The accused persons are charged with theft of trust property and money laundering, and the investigation team has gathered evidence detailing how they allegedly committed the crime.
The memo alleges that the accused persons converted the funds for their own use, purchasing luxurious houses and vehicles instead of delivering goats to the intended beneficiaries. The investigation is ongoing, with the team led by Mr. Chapwanya working to uncover the full extent of the scandal.
ZACC Chairman Michael Reza has assured the public that the commission has gathered strong evidence and will leave no stone unturned in the investigation, promising that there will be no “sacred cows” in the process.
Reza revealed that the commission has collected documents and facts that will be presented in court, stating that ZACC is not toothless and will pursue the suspects if they fail to cooperate.
They face charges of theft of trust property and money laundering.
Reza has vowed to pursue the suspects, stating, “We know they have their rights, but we have our time limit. If they don’t come, we will go after them.” He emphasized that ZACC is determined to bring the suspects to justice, ensuring that there are no “sacred cows” in the fight against corruption.
The investigation is ongoing, with the team awaiting a reconciliation of the total number of goats delivered and Blackdeck’s CABS bank statement.
