The pre-sentencing inquiry for businessmen Moses Mpofu and Mike Chimombe has been moved to Friday after the State requested more time to upload a victim-impact affidavit, a delay both parties agreed to.
The two, convicted of fraud three weeks ago, are still waiting to hear their fate as the court finalises outstanding paperwork. They have been pressing for a written judgment to help them prepare their mitigation, and the court confirmed on Tuesday that the judgment transcript is now available.
Mpofu and Chimombe were found guilty of misrepresentation in a high-value tender under the Presidential Goats Pass-On Scheme. Prosecutors told the court that in September 2021, the pair—acting through their company Blackdeck Private Limited—submitted falsified documents during a government tender to supply 632,001 goats worth US$87 million.
After the bid was awarded, the contract was curiously signed not by Blackdeck Private Limited, but by Blackdeck Livestock and Poultry Farming, an entity that did not legally exist. Mpofu signed on behalf of the phantom company, while Chimombe appended his signature as a witness.
Further checks revealed that Blackdeck did not possess a valid ZIMRA tax clearance, and the QR code on the NSSA compliance certificate they used actually belonged to another firm, Skywalk Investments.
The Ministry of Lands and Agriculture proceeded to release ZWL$1.6 billion, then valued at US$7.7 million, in two instalments paid in April and June 2022. But when the pair failed to deliver, they claimed to have mobilised 32,500 goats across various provinces. A verification exercise, however, found only 3,713 goats on the ground.
With the red flags piling up, the ministry cancelled the contract on 29 August 2022.
To date, only 4,208 goats—valued at US$331,445.25—have been delivered, leaving government prejudiced of US$7.38 million.
Mpofu and Chimombe are expected back in court on Friday for continuation of the pre-sentencing process.
