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State to appeal for harsher punishment in Mpofu, Chimombe case
58 mins ago |
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The State has signalled intentions to appeal for harsher punishment in the landmark US$7.3 million fraud case involving businessmen Mike Chimombe and Moses Mpofu, arguing that the 27 years combined jail term handed down by the High Court does not adequately reflect the gravity of the offence.
Justice Pisirayi Kwenda sentenced Mpofu to 22 years and Chimombe to 17 years, with portions of each term suspended on condition of good behaviour and restitution. Mpofu could serve an effective 15 years if he repays US$2,060,250.60 by February 28, 2026, while Chimombe's sentence may drop to 12 years if he pays back US$964,064.64 over the same period. Both men had already spent 18 months in pre-trial detention, which was considered during sentencing.
But the prosecution insists the sentences are too lenient.
"The punishment does not reflect the seriousness of the crime," State representatives argued, maintaining that a firmer penalty was necessary to deliver justice and deter future economic crimes. Prosecutor Whisper Mabhaudi confirmed the State will appeal.
The two businessmen – represented by Advocate Tapson Dzvetero and John Koto for Mpofu, and Professor Lovemore Madhuku with Asheal Mugiya for Chimombe – have also indicated they will challenge both conviction and sentence. Their legal teams have stated they will soon apply for leave to appeal to the Supreme Court.
The case, widely regarded as one of the largest post-independence fraud matters in Zimbabwe, concluded dramatically yesterday after months of proceedings. Justice Kwenda delivered a firm ruling, saying the pair defrauded the Government of millions intended for vulnerable households under the Presidential Goat Pass-On Scheme.
"The Government of Zimbabwe trusted you to act with integrity and probity, but you betrayed that trust for personal enrichment," Justice Kwenda said. "This court must send a clear message: enough is enough."
The court found that Mpofu (50) and Chimombe (44) used forged ZIMRA and NSSA documents to obtain a contract through a non-existent entity, Blackdeck Livestock and Poultry Farming. They went on to receive ZWL$1.6 billion (about US$7.7 million) as an advance payment to supply rural communities with goats.
However, the court heard they only delivered 4,208 goats instead of the required 85,000 – an 89 percent shortfall. The judge described the scheme as "premeditated, complex, and meticulously executed" and said it deprived some of the poorest communities in the country of livelihood support.
"This was not only theft of money - it was a theft of hope," Justice Kwenda added.
The sentencing marks a defining moment in Zimbabwe's anti-corruption efforts as authorities clamp down on abuse of public funds. But the legal battle is far from over. With both defence and prosecution preparing appeals, the case is set to return to the courts – and possibly shape future corruption sentencing precedent.
As the dust settles, the question now moves to the Supreme Court, where justice, accountability, and the fate of millions in public funds will again take centre stage.
Justice Pisirayi Kwenda sentenced Mpofu to 22 years and Chimombe to 17 years, with portions of each term suspended on condition of good behaviour and restitution. Mpofu could serve an effective 15 years if he repays US$2,060,250.60 by February 28, 2026, while Chimombe's sentence may drop to 12 years if he pays back US$964,064.64 over the same period. Both men had already spent 18 months in pre-trial detention, which was considered during sentencing.
But the prosecution insists the sentences are too lenient.
"The punishment does not reflect the seriousness of the crime," State representatives argued, maintaining that a firmer penalty was necessary to deliver justice and deter future economic crimes. Prosecutor Whisper Mabhaudi confirmed the State will appeal.
The two businessmen – represented by Advocate Tapson Dzvetero and John Koto for Mpofu, and Professor Lovemore Madhuku with Asheal Mugiya for Chimombe – have also indicated they will challenge both conviction and sentence. Their legal teams have stated they will soon apply for leave to appeal to the Supreme Court.
The case, widely regarded as one of the largest post-independence fraud matters in Zimbabwe, concluded dramatically yesterday after months of proceedings. Justice Kwenda delivered a firm ruling, saying the pair defrauded the Government of millions intended for vulnerable households under the Presidential Goat Pass-On Scheme.
The court found that Mpofu (50) and Chimombe (44) used forged ZIMRA and NSSA documents to obtain a contract through a non-existent entity, Blackdeck Livestock and Poultry Farming. They went on to receive ZWL$1.6 billion (about US$7.7 million) as an advance payment to supply rural communities with goats.
However, the court heard they only delivered 4,208 goats instead of the required 85,000 – an 89 percent shortfall. The judge described the scheme as "premeditated, complex, and meticulously executed" and said it deprived some of the poorest communities in the country of livelihood support.
"This was not only theft of money - it was a theft of hope," Justice Kwenda added.
The sentencing marks a defining moment in Zimbabwe's anti-corruption efforts as authorities clamp down on abuse of public funds. But the legal battle is far from over. With both defence and prosecution preparing appeals, the case is set to return to the courts – and possibly shape future corruption sentencing precedent.
As the dust settles, the question now moves to the Supreme Court, where justice, accountability, and the fate of millions in public funds will again take centre stage.
Source - Newsday
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