News / National
Magistrate in no show in Chimombe, Mpofu case
04 Jul 2024 at 04:35hrs | Views
Harare regional magistrate Donald Ndirowei postponed the bail application continuation for Zanu-PF central committee member Mike Chimombe and his business partner Moses Mpofu due to the presiding magistrate's absence.
The bail hearing is deferred to tomorrow. Chimombe and Mpofu, represented by Arshiel Mugiya and Tapson Dzvetero, face charges of defrauding the government of over US$7 million intended for the Presidential Goat Pass-on Scheme.
Investigating officer Henry Chapwanya opposed bail, citing potential public unrest due to citizens' anger over the misuse of funds meant to uplift the rural poor. He also mentioned the risk of protests undermining peace and security, especially with the upcoming Sadc summit. Chapwanya claimed the duo interfered with investigations by releasing a memo on social media and posed a flight risk due to their financial means.
Mugiya countered that Chimombe and Mpofu had cooperated with the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zacc) and had not attempted to flee or interfere with investigations. Dzvetero argued that Chapwanya initially did not oppose bail but later changed his stance.
Investigating officer Henry Chapwanya opposed bail, citing potential public unrest due to citizens' anger over the misuse of funds meant to uplift the rural poor. He also mentioned the risk of protests undermining peace and security, especially with the upcoming Sadc summit. Chapwanya claimed the duo interfered with investigations by releasing a memo on social media and posed a flight risk due to their financial means.
Mugiya countered that Chimombe and Mpofu had cooperated with the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zacc) and had not attempted to flee or interfere with investigations. Dzvetero argued that Chapwanya initially did not oppose bail but later changed his stance.
Source - newsday
