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Chimombe, Mpofu trial set for March 24
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The State, led by prosecutor Anesu Chirenje, has confirmed that it is ready to kickstart the trial of Zanu-PF central committee member Mike Chimombe and his business partner Moses Mpofu, who are facing charges related to a US$9 million street lights tender scam.
The matter has already been indicted to the High Court, with the trial scheduled to commence on March 24, 2025. The accused, represented by lawyer Arshiel Mugiya, were informed of the trial date on Friday during an appearance before Magistrate Marehwanazvo Gofa.
According to the State's case, in January of the previous year, the Harare City Council decided to rehabilitate its street lights in preparation for the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Summit held in the capital in August. As part of this initiative, the council invited bids for the project, with 11 companies, including Juluka Endo Joint Venture (Pvt) Ltd - co-owned by Mpofu - submitting proposals.
The tender documents outlined several requirements, including stamped audited financial statements for the last two years and proof of payment for special procurement oversight committee and administration fees, among others.
However, prosecutor Chirenje told the court that on April 19, 2024, an evaluation committee awarded eight lots for streetlight rehabilitation to four companies. Mpofu's company, Juluka Endo, allegedly failed to meet the necessary requirements due to the absence of an audit opinion on its financial statements.
Despite this, the Harare City Council reportedly invited Mpofu's company to submit a fresh bid, which was allegedly resubmitted with falsified documents. The State claims that Chimombe, in his capacity as a witness, signed off on the documents, resulting in the company receiving a part payment of US$260,000.
Both Chimombe and Mpofu have been in remand prison since June 2024, with courts denying them bail due to the serious nature of the charges. The two are facing charges of fraud and are expected to stand trial in March.
The case has garnered significant attention, with many watching closely as the legal proceedings unfold, especially considering the high-profile positions held by the accused.
The matter has already been indicted to the High Court, with the trial scheduled to commence on March 24, 2025. The accused, represented by lawyer Arshiel Mugiya, were informed of the trial date on Friday during an appearance before Magistrate Marehwanazvo Gofa.
According to the State's case, in January of the previous year, the Harare City Council decided to rehabilitate its street lights in preparation for the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Summit held in the capital in August. As part of this initiative, the council invited bids for the project, with 11 companies, including Juluka Endo Joint Venture (Pvt) Ltd - co-owned by Mpofu - submitting proposals.
The tender documents outlined several requirements, including stamped audited financial statements for the last two years and proof of payment for special procurement oversight committee and administration fees, among others.
However, prosecutor Chirenje told the court that on April 19, 2024, an evaluation committee awarded eight lots for streetlight rehabilitation to four companies. Mpofu's company, Juluka Endo, allegedly failed to meet the necessary requirements due to the absence of an audit opinion on its financial statements.
Despite this, the Harare City Council reportedly invited Mpofu's company to submit a fresh bid, which was allegedly resubmitted with falsified documents. The State claims that Chimombe, in his capacity as a witness, signed off on the documents, resulting in the company receiving a part payment of US$260,000.
Both Chimombe and Mpofu have been in remand prison since June 2024, with courts denying them bail due to the serious nature of the charges. The two are facing charges of fraud and are expected to stand trial in March.
The case has garnered significant attention, with many watching closely as the legal proceedings unfold, especially considering the high-profile positions held by the accused.
Source - newsday
