The trial of business partners Mike Chimombe and Moses Mpofu will officially begin on Wednesday, with the defendants claiming their constitutional rights have been infringed. Their legal team argues that the lack of adequate documentation provided by the prosecution has compromised their ability to prepare an adequate defence.
Alleged Fraudulent Tender Deal Worth Millions of Dollars
Chimombe and Mpofu are currently facing charges for an alleged fraudulent goat supply tender valued at US$7 million. The Zimbabwean government issued the tender to supply goats under a scheme designed to support livestock distribution nationwide. The project aimed to enhance rural livestock development, with beneficiaries expected to pass on the offspring to other households as part of a community support initiative.
Defendants’ lawyer, Lovemore Madhuku, expressed strong concerns during a press briefing following the court session on Tuesday. He emphasized that the prosecution’s failure to provide complete information has infringed on his clients’ rights.
In court, Madhuku revealed that he had only recently been instructed to represent Chimombe. They needed additional time to review the case thoroughly. Likewise, Tapson Dzvetero, representing Mpofu, indicated that they had not received all the necessary documents despite previous requests to the state for further particulars.
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“On September 20, we formally requested the state provide additional details. Although some were provided, we still lack critical information needed to proceed”
He further suggested that a meeting between the defence and the prosecution was essential to resolve the outstanding documentation issues.
Prosecutor Witness Mabhaudhi agreed to the defence’s request to postpone the trial. They acknowledged that some documents were yet to be shared. This concession allowed both parties to continue preparing for the complex case.-iharare
