Businessmen Mike Chimombe and Moses Mpofu have found themselves in further legal jeopardy as the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) has arrested them on new charges related to the use of false documents. This latest development adds to their existing legal woes stemming from initial fraud allegations involving US$7 million from the Presidential Goat Scheme.
Chimombe and Mpofu, who were already in custody and awaiting a High Court decision on their bail appeal, now face additional complications. Their legal team had hoped for a reprieve after filing for bail pending trial on Monday, but these new charges could significantly impact their chances of release.
The ZACC announced on Wednesday morning that Chimombe and Mpofu, operating through their company Juluka Enndo Joint Venture, are accused of using false documentation in their bid for a Harare City Council tender to rehabilitate street lights. In May 2024, the City of Harare readvertised a tender for this work, which Chimombe and Mpofu allegedly pursued by misrepresenting their compliance with the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Act (PPDPA). The allegations include submitting a financial report audited by a consultancy firm that was later found to be unregistered.
In connection with these allegations, ZACC has also arrested five Harare City Council officials. The officials include:
– **Never Murerwa** (62), Supply Chain Manager in the Procurement Management Unit
– **Jabulani Mukomazi** (44), Principal Buyer
– **Denford Zhungu** (69), Principal Accountant
– **Tawanda Mutenhabundo** (29), Engineering Technician
– **Hosiah Chisango**, Harare Town Clerk, who was arrested last Wednesday
The officials face charges of criminal abuse of office for allegedly awarding the $9.2 million street lights contract to a company deemed ineligible. The court recently denied bail to Chisango’s alleged accomplices, ruling that their release could impede the ongoing investigations, as decided by Harare Regional Magistrate Marehwanazvo Gofa.
The escalating legal issues for Chimombe and Mpofu underscore the high-stakes environment surrounding Zimbabwe’s anti-corruption efforts. With their initial fraud case involving the Presidential Goat Scheme already under scrutiny, these new charges could prolong their time behind bars and complicate their legal battles further.
In other news – You cheated, but I’m now a force to be reckoned with – Chamisa warns Zanu PF
Nelson Chamisa, Zimbabwe’s embattled opposition leader, has issued a stark warning to President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his ruling Zanu PF party, vowing to “get the job done” despite what he describes as a history of being “cheated and betrayed.” This bold statement comes as Chamisa intensifies his engagements with the Southern African Development Community (SADC) in the lead-up to the regional body’s annual summit in August.
Chamisa’s recent remarks, delivered through a series of fiery tweets, follow his dramatic resignation as President of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) in January. Read More
