Chimombe & Mpofu To Lose Assets, Properties As Govt Moves To Seize Proceeds Of Crime

Government To Seize Mpofu & Chimombe Properties In US$7 Million Fraud

The government has launched a major legal push to seize assets belonging to businessmen Mike Chimombe and Moses Mpofu, who were recently convicted of defrauding the state of US$7 million (about R130 million) under the Presidential Goat Pass-On Scheme. The state is now preparing to confiscate property and other valuables believed to have been bought using the proceeds of crime.

The two businessmen will be sentenced on 17 November 2025, but prosecutors have already initiated steps to strip them of their ill-gotten wealth.

State Targets Properties And Bank Accounts

According to the Herald, the prosecution, led by Whisper Mabhaudi, told the court that authorities are preparing to file a confiscation order under Section 50(1) of the Money Laundering and Proceeds of Crime Act. This provision empowers the State to trace, freeze and seize any assets linked to unlawful enrichment.

Mr Mabhaudi was quoted as saying:

“Once the judgment is uploaded, the State will immediately file its application. The aim is to ensure that no person benefits from criminal conduct.”

Prosecutors are understood to be compiling a list of assets, including houses, luxury vehicles, company shares, and bank accounts, allegedly tied to the US$7 million fraud.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) are both expected to assist in identifying and tracing the properties in question.

Court Ruling Opens The Door For Asset Recovery

The confiscation move follows the High Court’s ruling last month, which found Chimombe and Mpofu guilty of orchestrating a sophisticated scam through their company, Blackdeck (Pvt) Ltd.

Justice Pisirayi Kwenda, sitting with assessors Temba Kuwanda and Margaret Chitsiga, ruled that the evidence against the two was “overwhelming.”

“The State has proven its case beyond reasonable doubt,” said Justice Kwenda, describing the pair’s participation as “active, deliberate, and central to the fraudulent activities.”

The fraud involved a contract to supply 32,500 goats under a government programme valued at US$87 million (about R1.6 billion). Blackdeck delivered only 3,388 goats, amounting to a shortfall of nearly 90 percent, even after receiving US$7.7 million (R143 million) in advance payments.

Asset Seizure Aims To Recover Public Funds

Legal analysts say the State’s confiscation plan signals a tougher stance on economic crimes. Once the court issues the order, the assets may be sold or forfeited to the State Asset Recovery Fund to help offset the financial losses suffered by the Treasury.

If successful, this will mark one of Zimbabwe’s largest asset-recovery operations tied to corruption.

Justice Kwenda is expected to deliver final sentencing remarks on 17 November, with the pre-sentencing hearing set for 14 November 2025.