Fidelis Munyoro
Chief Court Writer
THE trial of businessmen Moses Mpofu and Mike Chimombe, who are facing US$7,7 million fraud charges linked to the Presidential Goat Pass-On Scheme, resumes tomorrow with the prosecution expected to begin cross-examining Mpofu.
Mpofu has already completed his evidence-in-chief, during which he denied all allegations and insisted that his actions were in line with his role as a representative of Blackdeck, the company awarded the tender to supply goats.
The State accuses the two of misappropriating funds by misrepresenting their capacity to deliver on the contract, which was a Government initiative designed to uplift rural livelihoods.
Prosecutors allege that after receiving payment, the accused failed to meet their obligations, leaving the project incomplete.
The prosecution further claims that Blackdeck’s bid documents contained forged ZIMRA tax clearance and NSSA compliance certificates, suggesting the tender was secured fraudulently.
The contract required the supply of 632 001 goats under the rural empowerment programme.
Both accused initially applied for discharge at the close of the State’s case.
Justice Pisirayi Kwenda dismissed Mpofu’s application, ruling that the prosecution had established a prima facie case that warranted a full defence.
Chimombe later withdrew his own application and chose to testify in his defence.
Chimombe’s legal team argues that the allegations distort the facts and insists that all their actions were above board.
Mpofu has since taken the witness stand to defend himself against the charges.