In a dramatic turn of events, self-styled prophet Passion Java has filed fraud charges against businessmen Moses Mpofu and Mike Chimombe, both of whom are linked to Zimbabwe’s ruling Zanu PF party. The charges stem from a high-stakes tender deal involving the Harare City Council for streetlight rehabilitation, worth an estimated US$9 million.
According to Java, Mpofu and Chimombe won the tender through the use of false documentation. Java alleges that he was defrauded of US$300,000 after being enticed by the two businessmen to invest in the deal via their company, Juluka Projects and Plant Hire. Java, upon his return from South Africa, lodged a formal complaint against Mpofu and Chimombe, accusing them of being aware of the fraudulent nature of their tender acquisition.
The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) has since launched an investigation into the matter. They allege that Mpofu and Chimombe misrepresented their compliance with procurement regulations, including submitting a fraudulent financial report to secure the tender. This development adds to the growing list of controversies surrounding the two businessmen.
Mpofu and Chimombe are already facing serious charges related to a separate case involving a botched presidential goat scheme. They are accused of defrauding the state of over US$7 million by forging tax and compliance certificates for a Lands Ministry tender. This fraudulent scheme resulted in the state paying ZWL1.6 billion (approximately US$7.7 million) for goats that were largely not delivered.
The trial for the goat scheme fraud is scheduled to commence on October 1 at the High Court, where Mpofu and Chimombe will face scrutiny over their alleged misdeeds.
The ongoing investigations and legal proceedings highlight a broader issue of corruption and fraud within Zimbabwe, especially involving high-profile figures linked to the ruling party. The outcomes of these cases are keenly awaited, as they may have significant implications for the country’s political and economic landscape.
In other news – 12 arrested in Gokwe amid anti-government protest
The Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) have reported the arrest of 12 individuals in Gokwe who allegedly took part in a protest against President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s upcoming role as chairperson of the Southern African Development Community (SADC). According to ZLHR, the demonstrators were detained for expressing their opposition to Mnangagwa’s assumption of the SADC chairmanship at a regional meeting in Harare.
Zimbabwe is set to host the SADC summit this Saturday, marking the country’s transition to the chairperson position for the next year, taking over from Angola. The timing of the arrests has sparked concerns about a broader crackdown on dissent. Read More
