HARARE – The highly anticipated corruption trial of business partners Mike Chimombe and Moses Mpofu, accused of defrauding the government of US$7 million in a Presidential Goat Scheme, has been postponed to February 20.
The delay comes after Mpofu’s lawyer, Tapson Dzvetero, was absent due to attending his brother-in-law’s funeral.
Mpofu and Chimombe face allegations of misappropriating millions from the Presidential Goat Pass-On Scheme, a rural empowerment initiative aimed at improving rural livelihoods by distributing goats to vulnerable communities.
The prosecution claims that the duo diverted significant funds meant for the program for personal gain, undermining its objectives.
Despite the accused’s attempts to halt proceedings, citing alleged constitutional violations, the trial will proceed. Last month, Justice Pisirayi Kwenda denied their bid for bail, emphasizing the seriousness of the charges and the prosecution’s concerns.
Mpofu and Chimombe facing a potential 20-year prison sentence if found guilty. The court has also expressed concerns over the disclosure of key witnesses’ identities, raising fears of possible witness interference.
Recently, lawyers for Mpofu and Chimombe argued that their prolonged detention is unprecedented in Zimbabwe’s prosecution history.
The two businessmen have been in custody for over seven months, despite multiple failed attempts to secure bail.
Their lawyers maintained that Mpofu was not involved in the alleged scandal as claimed by the state.
Professor Lovemore Madhuku added that the case against Chimombe and Mpofu was not extraordinary, but rather a highly publicised one.
Madhuku argued that his clients’ high profile would make it impossible for them to flee, as they are easily recognizable. He also emphasised that since they were released to their homes, they should have been granted freedom at their initial court appearance.
