The legal saga of Mike Chimombe and Moses Mpofu, two prominent figures accused of fraud in a high-profile case involving the Presidential Goat Pass-on Scheme, continues to unfold. The two businessmen, who have been in custody since May, will remain behind bars until October, when their trial is set to begin.
The Court has ruled that the two men should remain in custody until their trial, scheduled for October 1st to 4th, that’s a cool eight weeks of rotting in jail. This decision comes after a series of delays and legal battles, with the defence team arguing for their clients’ release on bail.
The allegations against Chimombe and Mpofu are serious. They are accused of forging a ZIMRA Tax clearance certificate and a NSSA compliance certificate in the name of Blackdeck Private Limited, which they then submitted to the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Water, Fisheries and Rural Development for a tender for the supply and delivery of goats for the Presidential Goat Pass-on Scheme.
The duo allegedly misrepresented that their company was in full compliance with ZIMRA and NSSA requirements, securing a contract with the Ministry of Lands and receiving a payment of US$7 million.
“Everything is now in order. May it also be noted that I have served the accused with State papers including documentary evidence which include government gazette, cr14, tax clearance, contract addendum, cancellation of contract document among other things,” said Prosecutor Anesu Chirenje who is representing the State.
The court’s decision to deny bail has been met with criticism from human rights groups, who argue that the two men are being held without sufficient evidence and that their continued detention is a violation of their human rights. They have expressed concerns about the potential for political persecution and the erosion of due process in Zimbabwe.
The trial of Chimombe and Mpofu is expected to be a long and drawn-out process. The prosecution will have to present evidence to prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt. The defence team will have the opportunity to challenge the evidence presented by the prosecution and to present their own case.
