Moses Mpofu faces bail ruling on new fraud charges

Jailed businessman Moses Mpofu is expected to return to court today for a ruling on his bail application concerning new fraud charges. Mpofu, along with his wife Nobukhosi and his brother Vusumuzi James Mpofu, who are co-directors of Synlak Private Limited, are facing the charges in connection with a project funded by a €350,500 grant from the European Union.

Both Nobukhosi and Vusumuzi have been released on bail set at US$800 each, but Mpofu remains in custody pending the court's decision on his bail.

The allegations stem from the Mbare biogas project, which aimed to design and construct biogas digesters and install a biogas generator for the City of Harare. In March 2015, the City of Harare issued a tender for the project, which included specific payment terms. Synlak, under Mpofu's leadership, submitted a bid that affirmed their commitment to these payment terms, stating that payment would only be requested after installation and commissioning of the project.

Following a technical evaluation, the contract was awarded to Synlak. However, after the contract was signed, Mpofu and his associates allegedly requested an advance payment of US$186,116, despite having previously pledged that the project would be completed before any payment claims could be made.

It is further alleged that Mpofu and his accomplices issued a false invoice demanding an advance payment of US$465,290, falsely claiming that the project had been completed. Despite the absence of necessary completion certificates, payments totaling US$415,290 were made to Synlak's accounts. These funds were then reportedly withdrawn for unauthorized purposes.

Mpofu's court appearance today is pivotal, as it will determine whether he will be granted bail while facing these serious charges. The case is being pursued by the State, represented by acting town clerk Mr. Mabhena Moyo, and is expected to bring further scrutiny to the business dealings of Mpofu and his associates.