Businessmen Moses Mpofu and Mike Chimombe, accused of embezzling $7 million from the government in a goat contract scandal, are seeking to refer their case to the Constitutional Court, citing alleged infringement of their rights.
To support their bid, they’ve proposed calling four key witnesses: Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission chairman Michael Reza, investigating officer Henry Chapwanya, acting chief public prosecutor Tendayi Shonhai, and businessman Wicknell Chivayo.
According to media reports, the State hasn’t opposed the defense’s move, as some witnesses are already State witnesses and available. The defense aims to resolve constitutional questions before the trial begins. Justice Pisirayi Kwenda has adjourned the case to November 11, directing the defense to prepare summaries of expected testimony from each witness [1).
Mpofu and Chimombe claim Reza interfered with their bail, leading to its revocation after the State asked for title deeds, passport surrender, and $1000 bail each.
However, under cross-examination, they struggled to link Chivayo to the goat fraud case, conceding he’s unrelated to the charges [1).
The duo faces allegations of defrauding the government through a fraudulent goat supply tender. Their lawyers argue external forces are orchestrating their prosecution, amounting to unlawful imprisonment due to inability to fulfill a contractual obligation.
Justice Kwenda will address constitutional issues before determining whether the trial proceeds or is referred to the Constitutional Court
