Judgment Day: Mike Chimombe and Moses Mpofu’s 529-Day Legal Battle Ends Today!
Court Reporting: Sona Headlines Legal Desk | Date: 08 Dec 2025
A 529-day saga that transformed two men from high-flying businessmen into convicted fraudsters reaches its climax at the High Court today. Mike Chimombe and Moses Mpofu, the faces of the infamous US$7.7 million Presidential Goat Scheme fraud, await their fate as Justice Pisirayi Kwenda prepares to hand down a sentence that could lock them away for decades.
The duo faces a potential 35-year sentence for defrauding the rural poor.
The prosecution has termed their crime a "betrayal of justice" that disadvantaged the poorest of the poor, calling for a stiff 35-year custodial sentence. Today, the nation watches to see if the scales will tilt toward retribution or rehabilitation.
State Demands 35 Years
Prosecutor Whisper Mabhaudhi argues that leniency would weaken public confidence.
THE PROSECUTION
"Stole from the Poor"
Argument: The fraud was unprecedented in scale ($7.7m) and directly harmed vulnerable rural communities.
Recommendation: A stiff custodial sentence of up to 35 years. Sentencing below the presumptive term would be a "betrayal of justice."
THE CONVICTION
Guilty as Charged
Justice Pisirayi Kwenda convicted the pair after a full trial. They were found guilty of using forged documents (Tax Clearance & NSSA certificates) to secure the tender via their company, Blackdeck Pvt Ltd.
The Goat Scheme Scandal
The duo was contracted to supply 85,000 goats to rural communities under a government initiative designed to alleviate poverty and uplift the rural populace.
Despite receiving payment, only 4,000 goats were delivered. The court ruled that this discrepancy defrauded the government of over US$7 million, leaving beneficiaries without support.
The "Football Team" & Assets
The duo pleaded for leniency based on their massive family responsibilities.
In a revelation that stunned the court, the businessmen revealed they care for 24 children between them.
- Mike Chimombe: 3 wives and 15 children (all minors).
- Moses Mpofu: 9 children.
In football terms, they could stage a friendly match with their children and still have substitutes on the bench.
Wealth: Combined net worth of approx. US$3 million. Chimombe listed a Borrowdale house ($800k) and a Chinhoyi property ($120k).
Health: Chimombe cited diabetic and high blood pressure conditions as reasons for leniency.
The Last Ditch Defense
PROF. LOVEMORE MADHUKU
Defense Lawyer
The Argument: Blamed "systemic flaws" and state officials for failing to detect the fraud early. Urged the court to depart from the presumptive 20-year penalty and exercise compassion.
THE ACCUSED
Offer of Restitution
Mpofu apologized to President Mnangagwa and the nation. Chimombe offered to reimburse the government, arguing he was a co-perpetrator, not the principal figure. However, the state dismissed this as insincere, citing previous resistance to asset recovery.
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