Mike Chimombe and Moses Mpofu Yet to Repay US$3 Million in Presidential Goat Scheme Fraud
Jailed businessmen Moses Mpofu and Mike Chimombe have not repaid more than US$3 million to Government following their conviction in the Presidential Goat Pass-On Scheme fraud.
The Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development confirmed that no payments have been received toward the court-ordered restitution.
Also Read: Chimombe Jailed 17 Years, Mpofu 22 Years For Goat Scheme Fraud
Sentences Tied to Repayment Conditions
Mpofu was sentenced to 22 years in prison. Three years were suspended on condition of good behaviour, while a further four years were suspended on condition that he repays US$2,060,250.60 by February 28.
Chimombe, 44, received a 17-year sentence. Three years were suspended for good behaviour, and an additional two years were suspended on condition that he pays back US$964,064.64 by the same date.
Together, the conditional repayments total US$3,024,315.24.
If the restitution is not made, the suspended portions of their sentences may be affected unless they successfully apply for an extension of time.
Fraudulent US$87 Million Contract
The High Court heard that the two men secured an US$87 million contract to supply more than 500,000 goats under the Presidential Goat Pass-On Scheme.
The programme was designed to improve food security, nutrition and household incomes in rural communities, particularly among vulnerable groups such as the elderly and orphans.
Instead, the court found that the pair used forged ZIMRA and NSSA clearance certificates to secure the tender through a company called Blackdeck Livestock and Poultry Farming.
Advance Payment and Limited Delivery
An advance payment of ZWL$1.6 billion — equivalent at the time to about US$7.7 million — was released.
However, only 4,208 goats were delivered against an expected 85,000 under the initial phase of the agreement. Evidence showed that the funds were diverted into other accounts and traded on the parallel market.
In sentencing, the judge described the offence as premeditated and said it had caused reputational harm to Government.
Supreme Court to Hear Appeal Application
The matter is set to move to the Supreme Court of Zimbabwe, which will hear the duo’s application for leave to appeal their conviction and sentence on Friday.
The hearing will be conducted in chambers.
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