Business partners Moses Mpofu and Mike Chimombe have faced a pivotal moment in their legal battle as Harare magistrate Marewanazvo Gofa delivered a decisive ruling denying them bail.
The magistrate cited concerns that granting bail to the duo could potentially lead to further criminal activities or even their flight from the country.
Moses Mpofu and Mike Chimombe, well-known figures in business circles, had sought bail amidst charges that had captured public attention.
The magistrate’s decision was informed by the gravity of the allegations against them, coupled with fears that their release could provoke public unrest.
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The duo Moses who are facing fraud charges over allegedly siphoning US$7 million from the Presidential Goat Scheme, were denied bail by Harare magistrate Marewanazvo Gofa. According to the State, Mpofu and Chimombe are accused of forging documents in order to secure the tender for supplying 600,000 goats under the Presidential Goat Scheme.
During the bail hearing, Magistrate Gofa carefully weighed the arguments presented by the defense and the prosecution. The defense team argued for bail, asserting that Mpofu and Chimombe were not flight risks and would comply with any stringent conditions imposed by the court.
On the other hand, the prosecution vehemently opposed bail, citing strong evidence against the accused and the potential for them to interfere with witnesses if released. They also pointed to the sensitivity of the case, noting that public sentiment was such that their release could spark demonstrations or unrest.
In her ruling, Magistrate Gofa underscored the seriousness of the charges and the potential implications of granting bail. “There are concerns that the accused might reoffend or flee to other countries,” she stated firmly. “Given the circumstances, there are no bail conditions that alleviate these fears. Bail is denied.”
