Businessmen Mike Chimombe and Moses Mpofu have faced a significant legal setback as their appeal for bail was denied by the High Court. Justice Pisirayi Kwenda ruled against the pair’s request to be released pending their trial, which concerns allegations of misappropriating US$7 million from the Presidential Goats Scheme.
The court’s decision came after reviewing the case documents and hearing arguments from both sides. Justice Kwenda upheld the State’s objection to the bail appeal, resulting in the dismissal of Chimombe and Mpofu’s request. The judgment stated, “After reading documents and hearing counsel, it is ordered that the State’s objection to the hearing of this appeal against denial of bail is hereby upheld. The appeal is therefore dismissed.”
Chimombe and Mpofu are accused of defrauding the government-backed scheme, which was designed to support agricultural development by providing goats to farmers. The high-profile case has attracted significant attention due to the substantial amount of money involved and the prominent status of the accused.
Their trial is scheduled to commence on October 1, 2024. Until then, Chimombe and Mpofu will remain in custody as the legal process continues. The case has sparked considerable interest, highlighting concerns over the management and oversight of government funds intended for developmental projects.
In other news – Peter Mutharika erturns as DPP Leader for upcoming presidential election
Malawi’s former president, Peter Mutharika, has been reappointed to lead the main opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) in the upcoming presidential election. The 84-year-old Mutharika’s return to political prominence comes after his previous administration and a contentious political climate marked by internal party disputes and legal challenges.
Mutharika, who governed Malawi from 2014 to 2020, will now face off against the incumbent President Lazarus Chakwera in the 2025 presidential race. Read More
