Online Reporter
Fidelis Munyoro
Chief Court Reporter
BUSINESSMAN Moses Mpofu has firmly denied allegations tying his business associate, Mike Chimombe, to the controversial US$87 million goats tender awarded to Blackdeck Private Limited, a company Mpofu owns.
The two men stand accused of defrauding the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development of over US$7.7 million in a case linked to the Presidential Goats-Pass-On Scheme.
Under cross-examination by Chimombe’s lawyer, Mr Arshiel Mugiya, Mpofu distanced Chimombe from Blackdeck’s operations, insisting that Chimombe had no involvement during the bidding process.
“His company, Millyteck, was a bidder in the tender. He had nothing to do with Blackdeck,” Mpofu said.
The prosecution, however, argued that Chimombe had played a role in Blackdeck’s affairs.
Mpofu admitted that Chimombe attended one meeting involving Blackdeck and the Ministry but clarified the circumstances.
“He attended that meeting as a leader of the Economic Empowerment Group to resolve disputes between Blackdeck and the Ministry over the contract’s performance,” Mpofu said.
He emphasised that Chimombe’s involvement came at Blackdeck’s invitation after the tender had already been awarded.
Pressed further, Mpofu dismissed claims that Chimombe had participated in renegotiating the contract’s terms, which led to an addendum.
“He was not there. I’m certain he was out of the country in South Africa at the time,” Mpofu said.
Chimombe’s lawyer painted a picture of his client as an outsider in Blackdeck’s dealings, arguing that his presence at the launch of the national goats’ scheme was purely political.
Mpofu concurred, explaining that Chimombe attended the event as a politician, given its significance as a presidential initiative.
The court also examined financial transactions tied to the case. Mpofu confirmed that payments were made to Chimombe’s company, Millyteck, but explained these were legitimate.
He said Blackdeck subcontracted Millyteck and two other companies to supply goats for the project.
When asked if this breached the contract with the Ministry, Mpofu referred to testimony from former Permanent Secretary Dr John Basera, who had said Blackdeck was permitted to subcontract.
Despite the defence’s efforts, the prosecution alleges that Mpofu and Chimombe submitted forged ZIMRA tax clearance and NSSA compliance certificates to secure the tender.
They argue the scheme, intended to uplift rural communities, became a conduit for personal enrichment, with funds paid out but goats undelivered.
Chimombe, who initially sought a discharge at the close of the State’s case, later withdrew his application and opted to testify.
He is expected to take the stand on Wednesday for his evidence-in-chief.
Mpofu’s bid for a discharge was rejected by Justice Pisirayi Kwenda, who ruled that the State had presented a prima facie case requiring the accused to defend themselves.
As the trial unfolds, the defence maintains the allegations are baseless, asserting that all actions were above board. The courtroom now awaits Chimombe’s testimony, in this high-stakes legal drama.
