13 witnesses for Chimombe, Mpofu case

The bail hearing for Harare businessmen Mike Chimombe and Moses Mpofu, accused of defrauding the State of US$7 million, continued with the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) investigator stating that the prosecution plans to present 13 witnesses. The State alleges that Chimombe and Mpofu forged documents to secure a tender for supplying goats under the Presidential Goat Scheme.

Represented by Mr. Arshiel Mugiya and Mr. Tapson Dzvetero, the businessmen are argued by the investigator, Mr. Henry Chapwanya, to be a flight risk due to their potential to interfere with witnesses, as they had direct interactions with them during tender negotiations.

Prosecutor Mr. Anesu Chirenje provided documentary evidence, including a memo from the accused claiming they received around US$4 million for the project, while the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe stated the amount was US$7 million. The Ministry of Agriculture had contracted the duo for supplying 632,001 goats valued at US$87.7 million and transferred Z$1.6 billion (approximately US$7,712,197) to their bank account between April and June 2022. The hearing continues with the cross-examination of Mr. Chapwanya by the defense.