The Zimbabwean government has launched a decisive legal initiative to confiscate assets linked to businessmen Mike Chimombe and Moses Mpofu, who were recently convicted for defrauding the state of US$7 million (approximately R130 million) under the Presidential Goat Pass-On Scheme. The authorities are now preparing to target properties and other valuables allegedly purchased using the proceeds of crime, marking a significant escalation in the country’s efforts to combat economic crime.
Although Chimombe and Mpofu are scheduled for sentencing on 17 November 2025, prosecutors have wasted no time initiating steps to strip them of their ill-gotten wealth. According to The Herald, the prosecution, led by Whisper Mabhaudi, informed the High Court that an application for asset confiscation would be filed under Section 50(1) of the Money Laundering and Proceeds of Crime Act. This section empowers the State to trace, freeze, and seize assets linked to unlawful enrichment, ensuring that criminal gains are not enjoyed by perpetrators.
“Once the judgment is uploaded, the State will immediately file its application. The aim is to ensure that no person benefits from criminal conduct,” Mabhaudi stated in court.
Prosecutors are reportedly compiling a comprehensive list of assets believed to have been acquired through the fraud, including houses, luxury vehicles, company shares, and bank accounts. Both the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) are expected to play key roles in identifying, tracing, and securing the properties in question.
The move comes on the heels of a High Court ruling last month, which found Chimombe and Mpofu guilty of orchestrating a sophisticated scam through their company, Blackdeck (Pvt) Ltd. Justice Pisirayi Kwenda, sitting with assessors Temba Kuwanda and Margaret Chitsiga, described the evidence against the duo as “overwhelming” and found their involvement “active, deliberate, and central to the fraudulent activities.”
“The State has proven its case beyond reasonable doubt,” Justice Kwenda declared, highlighting the calculated nature of the scheme and the deliberate misappropriation of government funds.
The fraud itself involved a government contract to supply 32,500 goats, valued at US$87 million (approximately R1.6 billion), under the Presidential Goat Pass-On Scheme. Blackdeck delivered only 3,388 goats, representing a shortfall of nearly 90 percent, despite having received US$7.7 million (R143 million) in advance payments. The scam not only deprived the Treasury of vital resources but also undermined public trust in government procurement programmes.
Zimbabwe Government Moves to Seize Assets of Chimombe and Mpofu Convicted in US$7 Million Fraud Case
Legal analysts say the State’s aggressive push to confiscate assets signals a harder stance on economic crimes, especially those involving large-scale fraud against public programmes. By targeting tangible assets, the government aims to recover lost funds and deter future fraudulent schemes, sending a clear message to business operators and contractors.
Once the High Court approves the confiscation order, the seized assets may be sold or transferred to the State Asset Recovery Fund, which is intended to offset financial losses suffered by the Treasury and support other government initiatives. The move aligns with international best practices in combating corruption and recovering proceeds of crime, particularly in cases where financial mismanagement has a widespread societal impact.
Observers note that the initiative also reflects the increasing coordination between prosecuting authorities and anti-corruption agencies in Zimbabwe, demonstrating a more strategic approach to identifying and reclaiming ill-gotten wealth. By acting before sentencing, the government ensures that the convicted individuals cannot dissipate or conceal their assets, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of the judicial process.
The case has drawn widespread attention due to the scale of the fraud and the high-profile nature of the perpetrators, with both Chimombe and Mpofu being well-known figures in business circles. Analysts argue that successfully executing asset confiscation could serve as a precedent for similar cases, reinforcing the principle that economic crimes carry not only custodial sentences but also the loss of unlawfully acquired property.
As the court prepares for sentencing on 17 November, the authorities’ focus remains on ensuring that justice extends beyond prison terms. The confiscation proceedings reflect a comprehensive approach to law enforcement, one that prioritizes accountability, restitution, and the protection of public resources.
The Zimbabwean government’s legal push against Chimombe and Mpofu underscores a broader commitment to tackling financial misconduct, particularly in programmes designed to benefit citizens. If successful, the initiative could recover millions of dollars for the State and send a powerful warning to others who might attempt to exploit government contracts for personal gain.
In sum, the asset confiscation move represents not only a key step in holding perpetrators accountable but also a broader effort to restore public confidence in government procurement systems and strengthen anti-corruption measures across the country.
Source- iHarare
