The two businessmen, who once held political positions, are facing increasing scrutiny as evidence of their alleged fraudulent activities mounts.

A Bogus Address and Deliberate Misinformation

The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) investigating officer, Gamuchirai Zimunhu, testified that Chimombe and Mpofu provided a fake address for their company, Blackdeck Livestock and Poultry. Zimunhu explained that Mpofu had given the address of an under-construction house in Greendale, describing it as inhabitable and suggesting a deliberate attempt to mislead investigators.

Evidence of an Uninhabitable House

Henry Chapwanya, a fellow ZACC officer, corroborated Zimunhu's testimony, stating that the house had no doors or windows, further indicating that it was not a place of residence. 

The lack of basic amenities and the overall appearance of the property cast significant doubt on the legitimacy of the address provided by Mpofu.

Concerns about Public Disorder and the SADC Summit

Chapwanya also expressed concerns that releasing Chimombe and Mpofu on bail could lead to public protests, potentially undermining peace and security in Zimbabwe, especially as the country prepares to host the SADC summit in the coming weeks. The state's argument suggests that the public is outraged by the alleged fraud and that releasing the accused could trigger unrest.

Bail Hearing Adjourned: A Web of Deception Still Unfolding

The bail hearing was adjourned to Tuesday for further proceedings, as the court carefully considers the evidence presented by the state prosecutors and the investigating officers.