Businessman Mike Chimombe is firmly distancing himself from the corruption charges related to the US$9 million Harare street lights installation tender. Chimombe, who faces allegations alongside Moses Mpofu, is contesting his involvement in the case, asserting that he had no role in the tender process or any affiliation with the implicated company, Juluka Projects and Plant Hire.
In a legal bid to contest his placement on remand, Chimombe’s lawyer, Mr. Arshiel Mugiya, presented arguments before Harare regional magistrate Mrs. Stanford Mambanje. Mugiya emphasized that Chimombe was neither a director, shareholder, employee, nor agent of Juluka Projects and Plant Hire. He argued that there are no substantial facts linking Chimombe to the alleged offenses, underscoring a lack of evidence directly tying him to the fraudulent activities under scrutiny.
The State, represented by prosecutor Mr. Anesu Chirenje, is set to respond to Chimombe’s claims in writing on Friday morning. Chimombe’s legal team is hopeful that this response will further clarify his lack of involvement in the case.
Meanwhile, Moses Mpofu, Chimombe’s co-accused in the corruption case, did not challenge his remand status. The legal proceedings continue as both parties await further developments in the case.
In other news – Kariba MP and 12 Activists Arrested for Unapproved Protest
On Wednesday, Kariba MP John Houghton and twelve other activists were arrested in Kariba for staging an unsanctioned protest demanding the release of CCC leader Jameson Timba and 77 other activists. The demonstration, which included prominent figures such as former Mayor George Masendu and activist Farai Mageva, was met with swift police action, resulting in their detention at the Kariba Police Headquarters.
The arrests come as tensions rise in Zimbabwe ahead of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) summit scheduled for August 17. The group had gathered to express solidarity with Timba and the 77 activists who had been detained earlier in June. Read More
