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Chimombe, Mpofu's bail application expected today
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The High Court will today deliver its ruling on the fresh bail application by business partners Mike Chimombe and Moses Mpofu, accused of misappropriating US$7.7 million from the Presidential Goat Pass-On Scheme. Justice Pisirayi Kwenda deferred his decision from yesterday to allow a thorough consideration of the arguments presented during last week's court session.
Chimombe and Mpofu's defence team, led by Professor Lovemore Madhuku and Advocate Tapson Dzvetero, mounted a vigorous challenge against the prosecution's case. They urged the court to treat the bail application as a new matter, citing significant procedural and factual issues.
Prof Madhuku delivered a strong critique of the prosecution, claiming it had failed to provide any credible evidence to substantiate its allegations. "Not even an iota of evidence has been presented," he argued, dismissing the case as incoherent and legally deficient.
The defence framed the bail application as a constitutional necessity, emphasizing that the prosecution's claims lacked merit and undermined the accused's right to liberty pending trial.
In response, the prosecution, led by Mr Whisper Mabhaudhi, fiercely opposed the bail application. Mr Mabhaudhi argued that the defence's claim of "changed circumstances" was baseless and did not warrant revisiting the court's earlier decision to deny bail.
He warned that Chimombe and Mpofu posed a significant flight risk, especially given the gravity of the charges against them. "The accused are attempting to re-litigate settled matters, a move that undermines the integrity of judicial proceedings," Mr Mabhaudhi said.
The courtroom exchanges highlighted a battle of legal acumen, with both sides sparing no effort to sway Justice Kwenda's decision. The defence invoked constitutional principles and criticized the prosecution's case, while the prosecution stood firm on judicial precedent and the need to prevent potential evasion of justice.
The Presidential Goat Pass-On Scheme, designed to uplift rural communities, has been marred by allegations of corruption, with Chimombe and Mpofu accused of diverting millions meant for the programme.
Last month, the Constitutional Court dismissed an attempt by the duo to escalate the matter, with Justice Kwenda condemning the move as a deliberate attempt to delay justice.
What's Next?
Today's ruling could have significant implications for the case, potentially shaping its trajectory in the months ahead. As the nation awaits Justice Kwenda's decision, the allegations of misappropriation and the broader questions of accountability remain in sharp focus.
Chimombe and Mpofu's defence team, led by Professor Lovemore Madhuku and Advocate Tapson Dzvetero, mounted a vigorous challenge against the prosecution's case. They urged the court to treat the bail application as a new matter, citing significant procedural and factual issues.
Prof Madhuku delivered a strong critique of the prosecution, claiming it had failed to provide any credible evidence to substantiate its allegations. "Not even an iota of evidence has been presented," he argued, dismissing the case as incoherent and legally deficient.
The defence framed the bail application as a constitutional necessity, emphasizing that the prosecution's claims lacked merit and undermined the accused's right to liberty pending trial.
In response, the prosecution, led by Mr Whisper Mabhaudhi, fiercely opposed the bail application. Mr Mabhaudhi argued that the defence's claim of "changed circumstances" was baseless and did not warrant revisiting the court's earlier decision to deny bail.
He warned that Chimombe and Mpofu posed a significant flight risk, especially given the gravity of the charges against them. "The accused are attempting to re-litigate settled matters, a move that undermines the integrity of judicial proceedings," Mr Mabhaudhi said.
The courtroom exchanges highlighted a battle of legal acumen, with both sides sparing no effort to sway Justice Kwenda's decision. The defence invoked constitutional principles and criticized the prosecution's case, while the prosecution stood firm on judicial precedent and the need to prevent potential evasion of justice.
The Presidential Goat Pass-On Scheme, designed to uplift rural communities, has been marred by allegations of corruption, with Chimombe and Mpofu accused of diverting millions meant for the programme.
Last month, the Constitutional Court dismissed an attempt by the duo to escalate the matter, with Justice Kwenda condemning the move as a deliberate attempt to delay justice.
What's Next?
Today's ruling could have significant implications for the case, potentially shaping its trajectory in the months ahead. As the nation awaits Justice Kwenda's decision, the allegations of misappropriation and the broader questions of accountability remain in sharp focus.
Source - the herald
