Harare businessman Mike Chimombe experienced a setback yesterday as his application to challenge his placement on remand was rejected.
Harare regional magistrate Mr. Stanford Mambanje dismissed Chimombe’s appeal.
Chimombe faces new charges related to a US$9.2 million tender for street lights from the City of Harare. In his ruling, Mr. Mambanje stated that the State had provided sufficient grounds to justify Chimombe’s remand.
Mr. Mambanje noted that Chimombe claimed not to be connected to the case since he was neither a shareholder nor directly involved in the company, though he did sign the contract as a witness.
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However, Mr. Mambanje emphasized that the question of Chimombe’s innocence regarding the contract would be addressed during the trial.
He explained that a witness could be held responsible if they knowingly conceal significant information. If Chimombe had acted in such a manner, he would face criminal liability. Mr. Mambanje concluded that there was ample evidence from the State to warrant Chimombe’s remand.
The case has been adjourned to August 22 for a routine remand session. Chimombe is co-accused with Moses Mpofu, who allegedly submitted forged documents as the Juluka ENNDO Joint Venture company in his tender bid.
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