Online Reporter
Fidelis Munyoro
Chief Court Reporter
Businessmen Moses Mpofu and Mike Chimombe, both serving prison terms, await a High Court ruling on their bid to approach the Supreme Court.
They seek to challenge their convictions and sentences for defrauding the Government of over US$7 million under the national goats scheme.
Justice Pisirayi Kwenda confirmed receiving the application and opposing papers from the prosecution during a brief hearing.
He reserved his ruling, stating he needed time to review the submissions.
Outside the court, the defence team expressed optimism about their clients’ chances. Lead counsel, Professor Lovemore Madhuku, said the case has public and national interest, warranting Supreme Court attention.
Mpofu and Chimombe were sentenced to 17 and 12 years respectively for fraud linked to the Presidential Goats-Pass-On Scheme. Justice Kwenda’s decision will determine whether they remain in custody or secure a chance to argue their appeal.
The State opposes the application and argues that the sentences are too lenient for the gravity of the crime. Prosecutors insist the penalties fail to deliver justice or deter others from similar offences.
The defence argues the convictions were based on legal errors.
They contend that fraud was not proven and the court misdirected itself in determining the accused had criminal intent. They also accuse the court of deviating from the original charges.
The legal team challenges the severity of the sentences, calling them excessive and disproportionate to the offence.
They argue that the punishment was an irrational exercise of judicial discretion and induces shock.
