Moses Mpofu Shares Emotional Family Week Moment at Chikurubi Prison

HARARE – Jailed businessman Moses Mpofu has opened up about an emotional moment during the recently concluded Family Week at Chikurubi Maximum Prison, revealing how one of his young sons asked to spend the night with him behind bars.

Mpofu, who is serving a 22-year sentence, described the interaction as both “touching and painful”, highlighting the emotional toll incarceration takes on families.

“I had one of my sons saying, ‘Daddy can I sleep over with you today,’ and it was so touching,” Mpofu said in an interview with Destiny TV.

Mpofu was convicted alongside Mike Chimombe for defrauding the government of US$7 million linked to the controversial Presidential Goat Pass-On Scheme. The duo, through their company Blackdeck Livestock and Poultry Farming, secured a US$87 million contract to supply 500,000 goats under a national livestock programme aimed at improving rural livelihoods. However, the court found that after receiving an advance payment of US$7.7 million, the funds were diverted for personal use, leading to lengthy custodial sentences. Chimombe is currently serving a 17-year term.

The Family Week initiative allowed inmates extended time with relatives, offering rare moments of connection within the confines of prison life. Mpofu said while the programme brought joy, it also magnified the pain of separation.

“Saying goodbye will be a very sad moment for me… it is painful, but it is a pain of joy as we are all grateful for the opportunity to meet with our families,” he said.

He added that the experience has deeply affected him as a father, particularly when interacting with his children.

Reflecting on his conviction, Mpofu said the experience has reshaped his perspective on life, business and responsibility.

“I would advise my son to tread carefully, abide by the law and make sure all transactions are in black and white,” he said.

He warned against shortcuts in business, emphasising the importance of due diligence and accountability.

Mpofu also appealed to authorities to consider extending the Family Week programme, suggesting August as a more suitable period for families travelling long distances.

“I have relatives who came from South Africa, Botswana and Bulawayo. Their support means everything,” he said.

His co-accused, Chimombe, also received visits from family members and associates, including Lawrence Dhairo.

The emotional scenes at Chikurubi highlight the broader human impact of imprisonment, particularly on children and families left behind. As Family Week came to a close, Mpofu bid farewell to his loved ones uncertain when they will meet again, with the next visitation period expected later in the year.

Moses Mpofu prison story