Online Reporter
Fidelis Munyoro-Chief Court Reporter
The High Court will today deliver its ruling in the case of jailed business partners Moses Mpofu and Mike Chimombe, who are seeking permission to approach the Supreme Court.
The two were convicted of defrauding the Government of over US$7 million under the Presidential Goat Pass-On Scheme and are appealing against their convictions and sentences.
Defence lawyer Arshiel Mugiya confirmed the development recently, saying both legal teams had been notified of the impending decision.
Earlier this month, Justice Pisirayi Kwenda presided over a brief hearing, during which he acknowledged receipt of submissions from both the defence and prosecution. He reserved judgment, citing the need for further review.
Outside the courtroom, the defence team, led by Professor Lovemore Madhuku, expressed confidence in its clients’ case, highlighting its significance to the public and national discourse.
Mpofu and Chimombe, sentenced to 17 and 12 years respectively, are fighting for a chance to argue their appeal before the Supreme Court.
The ruling will determine whether they remain in custody or secure an opportunity to challenge their convictions.
The State opposes the application, maintaining that the sentences were inadequate given the scale of the fraud. Prosecutors argue that the penalties do not reflect the seriousness of the crime or act as a deterrent to others.
The defence, meanwhile, claims the convictions were flawed, asserting that fraud was not proven and that the court erred in its interpretation of the evidence.
They also contend that the sentences are excessive, describing them as disproportionate to the offence.
Before their transfer to Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison, Mpofu and Chimombe spent 18 months in Harare Remand Prison.
The outcome of Justice Kwenda’s ruling will shape the next chapter of their legal battle.
