Mike Chimombe Throws Business Partner Moses Mpofu Under the Bus in US$9 Million Corruption Scandal

Mike Chimombe Distances Himself from Business Partner Moses Mpofu in $9 Million Tender Scandal

In a dramatic turn of events, Mike Chimombe has distanced himself from his business partner Moses Mpofu, as the two face corruption charges related to a $9 million Harare streetlight installation tender.

Chimombe, who is jointly charged with Mpofu, has made an application challenging his placement on remand, claiming he had no involvement with Mpofu’s company, Juluka Projects and Plant Hire Project, which was awarded the tender.

Also read: Mike Chimombe and Moses Mpofu Arrested Again On New Charges

Mike Chimombe Distances Himself from Moses Mpofu

Represented by his lawyer, Mr Arshiel Mugiya, Chimombe filed an application contesting his placement on remand when he appeared before Harare regional magistrate Mrs Stanford Mambanje on Thursday. Chimombe denied being a director or shareholder of Juluka Projects and Plant Hire Project.

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

Also read: Harare City Council Officials Arrested For Giving Moses Mpofu A US$9 Million Street Lights Tender

Chimombe Denies Involvement with Mpofu’s Company

The lawyer also dismissed allegations that Chimombe signed the tender documents as a witness, saying,

“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 offence.”

The State, led by Mr Anesu Chirenje, is expected to respond to Chimombe’s submissions in writing on Friday morning. On the other hand, Mpofu did not challenge his placement on remand.

Also read: Mike Chimombe and Moses Mpofu’s Web of Lies Exposed As Bail Hearing Continues

Alleged Misrepresentations in Tender Process

The State alleges that Chimombe and Mpofu misrepresented their capabilities and past experiences to win the tender. They allegedly claimed to have undertaken streetlight installations in Harare’s Central Business District and Christmas light installations for the City of Harare, despite lacking the necessary qualifications.

Furthermore, the accused individuals are accused of submitting fraudulent audit documents and a bid security that had been previously used in an unsuccessful tender, in an attempt to meet the tender requirements.

As a result of these alleged fraudulent actions, the Juluka ENDD Joint Venture (Pvt) Ltd was awarded the contract and received a partial payment of US$260,000 before the corruption scandal came to light.

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