News / Local
Chimombe, Mpofu bail hearing rescheduled
29 Dec 2024 at 08:40hrs | Views
Mike Chimombe and Moses Mpofu, embroiled in the US$7.7 million Presidential Goat Pass-On Scheme fraud scandal, are set to appear in court on January 3, 2024, for a bail hearing under altered circumstances.
The hearing, initially scheduled for January 17, was expedited after the defence team flagged a critical legal requirement that bail applications must be heard within 48 hours of filing, with appeals resolved within 96 hours. This prompted Judge President Mary Dube to move the date forward.
Despite the urgency, yesterday's proceedings were delayed after the prosecution requested more time to prepare, citing the need for a comprehensive response to the defence's arguments. Both sides agreed to the new January 3 date.
The case continues to capture public attention, with Chimombe and Mpofu accused of defrauding a government program meant to benefit rural communities by passing on goats to foster economic empowerment.
The duo's legal strategy has faced significant setbacks. Earlier this month, their attempt to halt proceedings and refer the matter to the Constitutional Court was dismissed by Justice Pisirayi Kwenda, who described their application as "frivolous and vexatious."
Chimombe and Mpofu had argued that their arrest, detention, and pre-trial processes violated their constitutional rights, requiring intervention from the highest court. Justice Kwenda rejected these claims, stating they lacked legal merit and were a deliberate attempt to delay the trial.
The trial, now scheduled to commence on February 10, 2024, has already been delayed by procedural challenges. Despite the High Court's dismissal of their Constitutional Court referral application, the defence is reportedly preparing a fresh application, seeking to pause the trial while constitutional grievances are addressed.
The legal manoeuvre, if successful, could once again stall the proceedings. The defence asserts that the trial cannot proceed until constitutional violations are thoroughly examined, though courts have yet to find merit in these claims.
As the new hearing dates approach, Chimombe and Mpofu face mounting public and legal scrutiny. The January 3 bail hearing will serve as a pivotal moment, potentially shaping the trajectory of the case.
For now, the courtroom remains a stage for a legal battle fraught with technicalities and high stakes, as the embattled pair seeks to navigate their way through one of the most high-profile corruption cases in recent memory.
The hearing, initially scheduled for January 17, was expedited after the defence team flagged a critical legal requirement that bail applications must be heard within 48 hours of filing, with appeals resolved within 96 hours. This prompted Judge President Mary Dube to move the date forward.
Despite the urgency, yesterday's proceedings were delayed after the prosecution requested more time to prepare, citing the need for a comprehensive response to the defence's arguments. Both sides agreed to the new January 3 date.
The case continues to capture public attention, with Chimombe and Mpofu accused of defrauding a government program meant to benefit rural communities by passing on goats to foster economic empowerment.
The duo's legal strategy has faced significant setbacks. Earlier this month, their attempt to halt proceedings and refer the matter to the Constitutional Court was dismissed by Justice Pisirayi Kwenda, who described their application as "frivolous and vexatious."
The trial, now scheduled to commence on February 10, 2024, has already been delayed by procedural challenges. Despite the High Court's dismissal of their Constitutional Court referral application, the defence is reportedly preparing a fresh application, seeking to pause the trial while constitutional grievances are addressed.
The legal manoeuvre, if successful, could once again stall the proceedings. The defence asserts that the trial cannot proceed until constitutional violations are thoroughly examined, though courts have yet to find merit in these claims.
As the new hearing dates approach, Chimombe and Mpofu face mounting public and legal scrutiny. The January 3 bail hearing will serve as a pivotal moment, potentially shaping the trajectory of the case.
For now, the courtroom remains a stage for a legal battle fraught with technicalities and high stakes, as the embattled pair seeks to navigate their way through one of the most high-profile corruption cases in recent memory.
Source - The Herald
