Chimombe & Mpofu to Remain Behind Bars Until Next Month As Magistrate Denies Bail
The case of Mike Chimombe and Moses Mpofu has taken a turn for the worse, as they were denied bail and will remain in remand prison until at least next month. The two were arrested for allegedly defrauding the government of over $7 million under the presidential goat scheme.
Also read: LISTEN: Another Leaked Audio Reveals Argument Between Businessmen Wicknell Chivayo And Mike Chimombe Over Another Deal
Why Magistrate Denied Bail for Chimombe and Mpofu
Chimombe and Mpofu had hoped to return home and await trial from the comfort of their own homes, but Harare regional magistrate Marehwanazvo Gofa dashed those hopes. In her ruling, the magistrate stated that the duo were wealthy individuals who could easily flee the country, and no bail conditions would prevent them from doing so.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) confirmed the development on their social media account, stating that Chimombe and Mpofu are expected to appear in court again on August 7th, 2024, where they will be informed of their trial date.
Also read: Mike Chimombe and Moses Mpofu’s Web of Lies Exposed As Bail Hearing Continues
Alleged Fraud Details
According to the details provided, the duo allegedly forged a ZIMRA Tax Clearance certificate and a NSSA compliance certificate for Mpofu’s company, Blackdeck Private Limited. These documents were then attached to a bidding document submitted to the Ministry of Lands for a tender to supply and deliver goats under the Presidential Goat Pass-on Scheme.
Relying on the misrepresentation, the Ministry of Lands contracted Blackdeck Private Limited on November 3rd, 2021. Over the following months, the Ministry transferred a total of $1.6 billion (equivalent to $7.7 million) to the company’s bank account.
However, a subsequent verification process revealed that the accused persons only had 3,713 goats in their holding sites, far less than the 32,500 they had claimed to have mobilized. The Ministry of Lands then cancelled the contract on August 29th, 2022.
Chimombe and Mpofu are accused of only supplying a total of 4,208 goats, valued at $331,445, and converting the remaining $7.38 million to their personal use.
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