Online Reporter
Fidelis Munyoro
Chief Court Reporter
The High Court today resumes the pre-sentencing hearing for Moses Mpofu and Mike Chimombe, convicted in October for their roles in a corruption case that derailed a national programme.
The Government lost US$7,38 million.
Last Friday, the hearing was adjourned after Alban Mhindurwa, a Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development representative, testified on the damage caused.
Presenting the Victim Impact Assessment report, Mhindurwa outlined how the goat scheme, designed to lift rural livelihoods, was derailed.
“The scheme was supposed to integrate smallholder farmers into the mainstream economy,” he said.
“Goat production is a resilient, climate-proof livestock system that strengthens smallholder farmers against drought and poverty.”
The project, aimed at improving food security, nutrition and income for rural households, aligned with Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy 1.
Targeted beneficiaries were vulnerable groups—orphans, widows, the elderly, the disabled, and the chronically ill—identified through a Ministry of Public Service database.
“These are the most disadvantaged households, heavily reliant on handouts,” Mr Mhindurwa explained.
“While a goat may seem insignificant to the wealthy, for these families, it is a biological asset of economic value—highly prolific, disease-resistant, and drought-tolerant.”
The Government allocated ZWL 1,6 billion, equivalent to US$7,71 million at the time, for goat procurement and delivery. But by the end of 2022, only 4 208 goats, worth US$331 445, were delivered.
The contractor then suspended operations, leaving a shortfall of 103,382 goats and an outstanding US$7,38 million.
“The vulnerable groups were denied income from selling first- and second-generation goats and lost the biological assets that could have improved their lives over three years,” Mr Mhindurwa said. “This disrupted household food security and derailed progress toward Vision 2030.”
The scheme, envisioned to transform lives, instead failed. Families lost the chance to escape poverty, and hopes of economic resilience were shattered.
Mr Mhindurwa testified that the scandal not only hurt the intended beneficiaries but also tarnished the country’s image.
“Internationally, the country’s image was tarnished as this case unfolded,” he said. “The misconduct of the accused slowed the implementation of a key initiative meant to uplift vulnerable communities.”
Proceedings were adjourned to allow the defence to cross-examine Mr Mhindurwa.
