Chimombe and Mpofu denied bail… magistrate cites fear of ‘street protests’

Embattled businessmen Moses Mpofu (49) and Mike Chimombe (43), accused of fraud in the Presidential Goat Pass-on Scheme, have been denied bail by Harare magistrate Marewanazvo Gofa, citing concerns of reoffending and public protests.

The duo faces fraud charges related to a tender for the Presidential Goat Pass-on Scheme.

In denying them bail, the Magistrate said the duo “might reoffend or flee to other countries.” She added that their release could also cause public protests.

“There’re are no bail conditions that alleviate these fears. Bail is denied,” the Magistrate said.

The National Prosecuting Authority alleges that Mpofu and Chimombe falsified tax clearance and National Social Security Authority (NSSA) compliance certificates, misrepresenting their company, Blackdeck Private Limited’s compliance status.

Despite Blackdeck Private Limited’s deregistration from the NSSA system in 2016 and lack of a Zimbabwe Revenue Authority tax clearance certificate for 2021, they submitted forged certificates in their bidding document.

This led to the Ministry of Lands awarding them the contract, transferring ZWL1.6 billion (approximately USD7.7 million) into their account. However, they failed to deliver the promised goats.

After multiple engagements, it was discovered that they only had 3,713 goats, contrary to their claim of 32,500. The contract was subsequently canceled, and the accused were arrested.

According to the court, the accused supplied only 4,208 goats valued at US$331,445 and converted the remaining US$7,380,751 to their personal use. No recoveries have been made.

The denial of the bail by the Magistrate allows them to approach the High Court seeking freedom.

In addition to their current charges, Chimombe and Mpofu are also embroiled in a US$9 million street lights fraud scandal.

This scandal involves four high-ranking Harare City Council officials, Never Murerwa, Jabulani Mukomazi, Denford Zhungu, and Tawanda Mutenhabundo, who allegedly collaborated with the duo to commit the fraudulent act.