Chimombe, Mpofu renewed freedom bid opposed

Zanu-PF central committee member Mike Chimombe and his business partner Moses Mpofu suffered a setback after the State opposed their applications for leave to appeal their convictions and sentences in the High Court.

Prosecutor Whisper Mabhaudhi argued that the applications lacked merit and seriousness, urging the court to dismiss them. Mabhaudhi noted that Mpofu's grounds of appeal were unclear, failing to specify the exact points of alleged error, which left no realistic prospects of success.

On the appeal against sentence, the State described Mpofu's claims as "ridiculous," highlighting that he challenged an effective 17-year prison term, insisting it should have been three months suspended on condition of a US$200 fine.

Chimombe and Mpofu were convicted over an US$87 million presidential goats scheme, receiving effective sentences of 12 and 17 years, respectively. They argued in their appeal that the court had allegedly created its own charges and convicted them without sufficient evidence, giving them confidence in a potential successful appeal.

Chimombe's lawyer, Lovemore Madhuku, maintained that leave to appeal should be granted, citing the national importance of the case and the need for the matter to be fully ventilated.