Chimombe , Mpofu risk longer jail terms

The two are facing the prospect of serving longer effective prison terms after missing a February 28 deadline to pay nearly US$3 million in restitution following their conviction in a US$7 million corruption case last December.

Mpofu was ordered to repay US$2 060 250.60, while Chimombe was required to pay US$964 064.64. The payments were a condition for the suspension of portions of their prison sentences.

Failure to meet the deadline means the suspended portions of their sentences — four years in Mpofu's case and two years in Chimombe's case — could now be activated. However, the pair still have the option of petitioning the High Court for an extension of time to settle the restitution.

Sources close to the matter say the two businessmen are unable to raise the required funds, as they are already grappling with substantial legal costs and the financial burden of supporting their families.

The Supreme Court of Zimbabwe is set to hear their application for leave to appeal both conviction and sentence on March 6.

Mpofu and Chimombe were convicted of defrauding the Government of more than US$7 million under the Presidential Goat Pass-On Scheme.

Mpofu was sentenced to 22 years in prison, with seven years suspended. Of the suspended portion, three years were set aside for good behaviour and four years were conditional upon restitution.

Chimombe received a 17-year sentence, with five years suspended — three for good behaviour and two tied to restitution.

In December 2025, the State withdrew fraud charges against the pair in relation to an alleged US$9.2 million streetlight tender involving the Harare City Council. While that case was dropped, Mpofu still faces a separate charge linked to a bio-gas deal with the same local authority.

The coming days are expected to be critical for the duo as they seek relief from the courts to avoid serving additional time behind bars.