NEW: Chimombe distances himself from Mpofu’s company

Nyore Madzianike

BUSINESSMAN Mike Chimombe, who is facing corruption charges in a US$9 million Harare street lights installation tender has distanced himself from his co-accused Moses Mpofu’s company, Juluka Projects and Plant Hire Project, saying he did not play any role in the tender application.
Chimombe is jointly charged with Mpofu for allegedly using fake documents to win the tender.

Through his lawyer Mr Arshiel Mugiya, Chimombe made an application challenging his placement on remand when he appeared before Harare regional magistrate, Mrs Stanford Mambanje today.

He denied being a director or shareholder of the said company.

“The accused disassociates himself from that company. He is not an employee or agent of that company,” said Chimombe’s lawyers.

“The State alleges that the accused signed the tender documents of the contract as a witness. There are no facts that link the accused to the commission of this offense.”

The State, led by Mr Anesu Chirenje, is expected to respond to Chimombe’s submissions in writing on Friday morning.

Mpofu did not challenge his placement on remand.