Chimombe, Mpofu spends Xmas in jail

Prominent businesspersons Mike Chimombe and Moses Mpofu will remain behind bars this holiday season, as the High Court has scheduled their bail application hearing for January 17, 2025. The application is based on what their defence claims are "altered circumstances" that warrant their release on bail.

The duo faces allegations of defrauding the Presidential Goat Pass-On Scheme of a staggering US$7.7 million, charges that have significantly tarnished their reputations. Despite their current predicament, their legal team is reportedly working tirelessly to secure an earlier hearing date in hopes of expediting their release.

Dismissal of Constitutional Referral

Earlier this month, Justice Pisirayi Kwenda dismissed Chimombe and Mpofu's application to refer their case to the Constitutional Court. The pair had argued that their arrest, detention, and pre-trial processes infringed on their constitutional rights, necessitating intervention by the highest court.

However, Justice Kwenda described their application as "frivolous and vexatious," ruling that it was a deliberate attempt to delay the trial. This setback has not deterred their defence team, which is reportedly preparing a direct application to the Constitutional Court to revisit these claims.

Trial Delays and Procedural Challenges

The legal battles have significantly delayed the trial, initially scheduled to begin in October 2024. Following the dismissal of their Constitutional Court referral, the trial has now been rescheduled for February 10, 2025, provided no further delays arise.

Central to the defence's argument is their insistence that trial proceedings should not proceed until the alleged constitutional breaches are addressed. If the Constitutional Court agrees to hear their direct application, the case could face further delays.

Ongoing Efforts for Bail

With their bail hearing postponed to mid-January, Chimombe and Mpofu will spend Christmas and New Year in custody. Their legal team remains hopeful that the High Court will acknowledge the purportedly changed circumstances and grant bail.

The case has attracted widespread public interest, casting a spotlight on corruption allegations and procedural wrangling within Zimbabwe's judicial system. As the new year approaches, all eyes will remain on the courts to determine the next chapter in this high-profile legal battle.