Businessmen Chimombe, Mpofu convicted; face up to 20 years in prison

By Staff Reporter

Harare businessmen Mike Chimombe and Moses Mpofu were recently found guilty of defrauding the government of US$7 million under the controversial Presidential Goat Scheme.

They were convicted by Justice Pisirayi Kwenda on Wednesday.

The two businessmen, who have been in custody since their arrest in June 2024, were convicted after a lengthy trial in which the State accused them of using a non-existent company, Blackdeck (Pvt) Ltd, to secure a tender from the Ministry of Lands.

They now await sentencing, with the court previously warning that the pair could face up to 20 years in jail for the offence.

“Regarding the seriousness of the offence, I have looked at the penalty and the presumptive penalty for fraud is 20 years,” said the judge.

“If a fraud involves public funds and involves a huge prejudice the sentence will be severe.”

In his ruling, Justice Kwenda said the State had successfully proven its case against the two, noting that Mpofu “shot himself in the foot” when he admitted acting in his capacity as a company director under instructions, effectively confirming his involvement in the fraudulent tender.

Kwenda criticised Mpofu for failing to call witnesses who could have corroborated his defence, saying this decision “affected his credibility”.

The judge added that Mpofu’s explanation that he later realised he was being charged in his personal capacity was “lame because he knew that from the beginning”.

On Chimombe’s part, the court dismissed his claim of minimal involvement, concluding that he had actively participated in meetings related to the tender.

Witnesses, including former Lands Ministry officials John Bhasera and Nhundurwa, testified that Chimombe and Mpofu attended several meetings together.

“The second accused person’s explanation was not convincing,” said Kwenda.

“His presence at those meetings clearly showed he had a mandate and was controlling the affairs of the company.”

Kwenda further ruled that both men were personally liable for the fraudulent activities carried out under the name of Blackdeck, explaining that a company “is not a natural person and its actions are inseparable from those of its directors.”

The case stems from the Presidential Goat Scheme, meant to empower rural farmers through livestock distribution which was derailed after funds were disbursed but no goats were delivered.