Prominent ZANU PF figure and entrepreneur Mike Chimombe, along with business associate Moses Mpofu, has filed a formal application for discharge in a high-profile $7 million fraud case involving an unsuccessful government livestock procurement contract.
The charges stem from a Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, and Rural Resettlement tender for the supply of 85,691 goats under the Presidential Goat Scheme.
Prosecutors allege the pair, through a company named Blackdeck Livestock and Poultry Farming, misrepresented the entity’s legal standing and tax compliance in order to secure the contract.
The government reportedly disbursed ZWL$1.6 billion (approx. USD $7.7 million), but only 4,208 goats were delivered, leaving a $7.4 million shortfall.
Defense Pushes Back
Led by attorneys Tapson Dzvetero and Ashiel Mugiya, the defense argued that the State had failed to present sufficient evidence to warrant continuation of the trial particularly against Chimombe.
“The prosecution hasn’t shown whether any misrepresentation occurred verbally or in writing,” Dzvetero argued in court. “Without prima facie evidence of wrongdoing, our client shouldn’t be compelled to mount a defense.”
Key defense arguments include:
No direct evidence links Chimombe to the preparation or submission of tender documents.
Chimombe’s alleged involvement in ministry meetings lacks supporting evidence such as official minutes.
There is no formal association between Chimombe and Blackdeck he is not listed as a director, shareholder, or employee.
Chimombe’s company, Millytake Enterprises, actually lost the bid, raising further doubts about his alleged role in the fraud.
Business Ties Scrutinized
The prosecution has suggested a working relationship between Chimombe and Mpofu, but the defense dismissed this as circumstantial, saying friendship or association does not equate to legal liability.
“Even if Mr. Chimombe maintained friendship with Mr. Mpofu, that doesn’t establish legal responsibility for Blackdeck’s operations,” the defense submitted. “We maintain our client has no case to answer.”
Case with Political Overtones
The case continues to draw national attention due to Chimombe’s political profile and the scale of funds involved in the goat tender a project tied to Zimbabwe’s broader agricultural reform and rural empowerment programs.
Legal analysts believe the court’s ruling on the discharge application is crucial. If successful, Chimombe and Mpofu could walk free without standing trial. If denied, a full trial could expose more details about the procurement process, company vetting, and political-business relationships behind the scenes.
The matter remains under consideration, with a ruling on the discharge request expected soon.
