D-Day for Chimombe, Mpofu appeal

Businessmen Mike Chimombe and Moses Mpofu will find out next Tuesday whether they will be granted leave to appeal their conviction and sentence for fraud, after High Court Judge Pisirayi Kwenda set the date for determination.

Three weeks ago, Justice Kwenda reserved judgment in the application by Chimombe and Mpofu, who are seeking permission to appeal to the Supreme Court following their conviction and sentencing to 12 and 17 years in prison, respectively. The pair were found guilty of defrauding the government of US$7,7 million through a presidential goat tender scheme.

According to a notice of hearing issued by the registrar of the High Court, the matter will be heard physically before Justice Kwenda on Monday, February 2, at 10:00 am.

"Take notice that the above criminal trial will be heard and determined physically by the High Court of Zimbabwe, Harare, before Mr Justice Kwenda on Monday, the second of February at 10am or soon thereafter as counsel may be heard," the notice reads.

Chimombe and Mpofu are seeking leave to appeal both their conviction and sentence in connection with the US$87 million Presidential Pass-On Goat Scheme scandal.

If the High Court denies their application, the businessmen may still approach the Supreme Court to challenge Justice Kwenda's ruling. Conversely, if leave to appeal is granted, they will be entitled to apply for fresh bail pending the outcome of the appeal, having been denied bail throughout the trial.