Chimombe, Mpofu pin hopes on Supreme Court ruling

Convicted business partners Mike Chimombe and Moses Mpofu remain in legal limbo as they await a Supreme Court ruling on whether they will be granted leave to appeal their convictions and lengthy prison sentences linked to the Presidential Goat Pass-On Scheme fraud case.

The two were found guilty of defrauding the Government of more than US$7 million and were handed severe sentences by the High Court late last year.

Chimombe, 44, was sentenced to 17 years in prison, with part of the sentence suspended on condition of good behaviour and repayment of US$964,064.64. Mpofu, 50, received a 22-year sentence, also partly suspended on condition he repays over US$2 million by February 2026.

The case is now before George Chiweshe, who heard their applications for leave to appeal early last month and reserved judgment.

The pair are effectively awaiting a single ruling that could determine whether their appeal proceeds or their convictions stand.

Chimombe's lawyer, Arshiel Mugiya, said there was no cause for alarm over the delay, noting that the matter remains within the normal timeframes for judgment delivery.

"We argued the leave to appeal case last month, and judgment was reserved. The judge is still within the six-month threshold," he said.

He added that the delay was partly due to the court's recess period and the complexity of the case record, which he described as voluminous.

Mpofu's lawyer, Advocate Tapson Dzvetero, echoed similar sentiments, urging patience as the court finalises its decision.

The case stems from allegations that the two misused funds under a government livestock empowerment programme, leading to one of the country's most high-profile fraud convictions in recent years.

The Supreme Court's decision will determine whether the pair can challenge their convictions or begin serving their full sentences.