Chimombe and Mpofu Set to Spend Holidays Behind Bars as Bail Hearing Looms

HARARE — In a legal twist that has captured the attention of the nation, business tycoons Mike Chimombe and Moses Mpofu face the prospect of spending Christmas in detention.

The pair, embroiled in allegations of fraud involving millions from the Presidential Goat Pass-On Scheme, saw their bail hopes dashed with a hearing postponed to January next year.

Their legal team, undeterred, is advocating for a swift High Court review, citing changed circumstances that they believe could lead to their clients’ release.

The magnitude of the fraud charge, amounting to US$7.7 million, has not only legal but also reputational repercussions for the accused, once celebrated figures in the business community.

Justice Pisirayi Kwenda’s recent dismissal of their attempt to escalate the matter to the Constitutional Court has further complicated their legal strategy.

The judge branded their application as “frivolous and vexatious,” rejecting claims that their rights were infringed upon during arrest and pre-trial procedures.

This judicial rebuff has left Chimombe and Mpofu with fewer options as they await their day in court, now scheduled for February 10, 2025.

The trial’s first scheduled date was postponed due to the Constitutional Court application, highlighting the legal delays that have plagued this high-profile case.

Despite the setback, their attorneys are preparing for the upcoming bail hearing, hoping to leverage any new evidence or circumstances that might sway the court.

As the festive season approaches, the absence of Chimombe and Mpofu from holiday gatherings underscores the severity of their current legal predicament.

The case has become a focal point for discussions on accountability and justice within Zimbabwe’s business and political spheres.

The public watches closely, as this case could set precedents for how fraud allegations are handled, especially when they involve state initiatives.

The next few weeks will be critical for Chimombe and Mpofu, as they navigate through the legal system with their freedom on the line.

Their situation serves as a stark reminder of the swift fall from grace that can accompany accusations of financial misconduct at such a scale.