Court cancels Chivayo's subpoena in high-profile corruption trial

Businessman Wicknell Chivayo walked out of the Harare High Court on Monday after a judge dismissed a subpoena calling him to testify in the corruption trial of his former business partners, Mike Chimombe and Moses Mpofu. The pair face corruption charges tied to a controversial tender for the procurement of goats, while Chivayo himself is embroiled in a separate alleged election procurement corruption case involving over US$100 million.

Justice Pisirayi Kwenda ruled that Chivayo was not a "necessary witness" in Chimombe and Mpofu's trial, a decision that was welcomed by Chivayo's lawyer, Silvester Hashiti.

"The court found there was no justifiable reason for Mr. Chivayo's involvement as a witness in this particular case," said Hashiti following the ruling.

The subpoena, initiated by Chimombe and Mpofu, was part of their defense strategy to draw Chivayo into their trial on grounds that his testimony could clarify issues surrounding the tender process. However, the judge's decision effectively clears Chivayo from direct involvement in this trial, allowing him to focus on his own legal challenges.

Chivayo, a prominent businessman with interests spanning energy and other sectors, has faced mounting legal scrutiny. His alleged involvement in the separate, high-stakes election procurement scandal has drawn significant public attention due to the scale of funds involved.

The ruling adds another twist to Zimbabwe's ongoing scrutiny of government tenders, with both public and judicial focus intensifying on high-value projects and the transparency of their awarding processes.