The trial of Harare businessmen Mike Chimombe and Moses Mpofu begins today at the High Court, where they face serious charges of defrauding the Presidential Goat Pass-On Scheme of an estimated US$7.7 million.
The duo is accused of forging tax and compliance certificates to secure a lucrative tender for supplying goats, misrepresenting their company’s compliance status to win the contract.
According to the prosecution, Chimombe and Mpofu received significant payments for the supply of goats but failed to deliver the agreed quantity. This breach of contract and alleged fraudulent activity led to their arrest in July, raising concerns about accountability and transparency within government initiatives.
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The trial will be presided over by Justice Pisirayi Kwenda and is expected to unfold over the course of the week, concluding on Friday. The outcome could have implications not only for the defendants but also for the integrity of public procurement processes in Zimbabwe.
As the trial commences, the courtroom is likely to see a focus on the evidence regarding the forged documents and the financial transactions involved. The case highlights the ongoing challenges of fraud and corruption in the country’s agricultural programs, aimed at improving food security and supporting local farmers.
