Harare – The Harare Magistrates’ Court has been thrown into a whirlwind of legal wrangling as businessman Mike Chimombe, embroiled in a US$9 million corruption case involving the installation of streetlights in the capital, vehemently denies any involvement with his co-accused, Moses Mpofu’s company, Juluka Projects and Plant Hire.
Chimombe, facing charges of using forged documents to secure the lucrative tender, appeared before Harare regional magistrate Mr Stanford Mambanje on Thursday, where his legal team, led by Mr Arshiel Mugiya, launched a spirited challenge to his continued detention.
“The accused disassociates himself from that company. He is not an employee or agent of that company,” declared Chimombe’s lawyers.
The State, represented by Mr Anesu Chirenje, alleges that Chimombe, despite not being a director or shareholder in Juluka Projects, signed the tender documents as a witness. However, Chimombe’s legal team argues that there is no concrete evidence linking him to the alleged crime.
“The State alleges that the accused signed the tender documents of the contract as a witness. There are no facts that link the accused to the commission of this offence,” argued Chimombe’s lawyers.
The case revolves around the controversial tender for the installation of streetlights in Harare, a project that was intended to enhance safety and security in the city. However, the tender process has been marred by allegations of corruption and irregularities, casting a shadow over the project’s integrity.
The State is expected to respond to Chimombe’s submissions in writing on Friday morning
